🔗 Share this article

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity 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 remarked.

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

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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