Scotland Needs to Take the Following Move Following All Blacks Defeat - Coach Townsend
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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.
The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.
Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.
"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.
"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.
"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we probably revealed our identity 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.
"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
- Scores 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.
"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.
"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.
"It marks 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 represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.
"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."
Captain's Reaction
Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.
"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.
"We had no downside and all to play for.
"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."
