🔗 Share this article

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory 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 remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we probably revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries 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.

"Teams 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 would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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