🔗 Share this article

"Victory could have been ours. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to 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 scored for the opponents.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple 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 must apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."