🔗 Share this article

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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial 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 half, we showed who we are today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points 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 need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

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

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," 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 soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

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

"But 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 controlled the second half, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."