🔗 Share this article

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

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

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

However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"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 couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

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

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 stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents 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 would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging 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 been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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