🔗 Share this article

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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely showed our identity 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.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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.

"Teams 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 facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved 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 very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

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

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

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."