Scotland Needs to Make the Following Move Following New Zealand Defeat - Townsend

"The win was there. We know the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored 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 showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries 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 tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three 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 need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

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