Scotland Needs to Make the Next Step Following New Zealand Defeat - Townsend

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

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

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

However, 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 first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

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

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."