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

"Victory was there. We are aware victory was there."

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

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score 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 first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are 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 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 need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping 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 fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, ability. 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 next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."