🔗 Share this article

"The win was there. We know victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to 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 first half 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 three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."