🔗 Share this article

"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

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

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

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are 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 game is there for us.

"Aspects 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 held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks 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 encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."