🔗 Share this article

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

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

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

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

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

Key Moments of the Game

• 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

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

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

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

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."