🔗 Share this article

"The win could have been ours. We are aware the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 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 sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

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

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed 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 game is there for us.

"Elements of that game 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 held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored 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 head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging 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 second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."