The Scottish Team Must Take the Next Step After New Zealand Defeat - Townsend

"Victory was there. We know victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance 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 half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done 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 next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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