🔗 Share this article

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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck 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 latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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.

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

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

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."