Scotland Needs to Make the Following Move Following New Zealand Defeat - Townsend

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance 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 all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure 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.

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the best teams 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 battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow 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 victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

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

"I told the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."