🔗 Share this article

"Victory could have been ours. We know victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," 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.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away 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 victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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