The Scottish Team Needs to Make the Next Step After New Zealand Heartbreak - Coach Townsend

"The win was there. We are aware victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to 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 second half showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed our identity by not getting 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 best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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 multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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