🔗 Share this article

"The win was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• 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 notched points for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" 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 required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

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

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."