🔗 Share this article

"The win could have been ours. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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 fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

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

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history 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."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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