The Scottish Team Needs to Make the Following Move Following All Blacks Defeat - Coach Townsend

"Victory was there. We know victory was there."

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

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

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident 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."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 scored for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired 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'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed 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 needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

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

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."