The Scottish Team Must Take the Next Step Following New Zealand Heartbreak - Townsend

"Victory could have been ours. We know victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance 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 swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed who we are 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 big moments when the match is there for us.

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

Crucial Events of the Game

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

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion 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 encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" 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 the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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