The Scottish Team Must Make the Following Move Following New Zealand Defeat - Townsend

"Victory was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," 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.

"Outstanding second period, 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 match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must 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.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow 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 initial occasion this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

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

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss 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 response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."