The Scottish Team Needs to Make the Next Step Following New Zealand Heartbreak - Townsend

"Victory was there. We know the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

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

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

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores 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 scored for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued 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 tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."