🔗 Share this article

"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."

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

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting 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 game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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 knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled 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 continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."