🔗 Share this article

"Victory could have been ours. We know the win was there."

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

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win 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 kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 opponents.

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

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come 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.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

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

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."