Scotland Needs to Take the Next Step Following All Blacks Defeat - Coach Townsend

"The win could have been ours. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

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

"Teams get fatigued 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 single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

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

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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