Scotland Needs to Make the Following Move After New Zealand Defeat - Coach Townsend
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"The win was there. We know victory was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.
Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.
However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny 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 pure determination," Townsend remarked.
"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.
"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.
"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the match is there for us.
"Elements of that performance show we are up there 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 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 tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.
"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.
"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop 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 been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.
"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."
Captain's Response
Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.
"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.
"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."