The Scottish Team Needs to Take the Next Step After All Blacks Heartbreak - Coach Townsend

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second period, we showed 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 match is there for us.

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• 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 visitors.

"Opponents get tired 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 next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

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

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."