🔗 Share this article

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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in 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 hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."