🔗 Share this article

"Victory was there. We are aware the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."