Scotland Must Take the Following Move After New Zealand Defeat - Coach Townsend

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

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 tired 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 narrow margins.

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

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. 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 coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."