🔗 Share this article

"The win was there. We are aware victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

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

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

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

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries 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.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down 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 any easier."