The Scottish Team Must Take the Following Move Following New Zealand Defeat - Coach Townsend

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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but felt deflated 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.

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

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

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably 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 best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams 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 narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

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

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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