🔗 Share this article

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed 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 game is there for us.

"Elements of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."