🔗 Share this article

"The win was there. We are aware victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny 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 seventeen all and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 scored for the opponents.

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

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

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved 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 leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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