🔗 Share this article

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work 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 couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves 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.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks 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 encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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