Scotland Needs to Take the Following Move Following New Zealand Defeat - Coach Townsend

"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

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

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

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 notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity 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 represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."