🔗 Share this article

"The win was there. We know victory was within reach."

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

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the match is there for us.

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

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 notched points for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three 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 need to put in what we have learned.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."