🔗 Share this article

"The win was there. We know the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure 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 next step."

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 held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued 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 need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united 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 been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, 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 Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat 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 needed a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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