Scotland Needs to Take the Following Move Following All Blacks Heartbreak - Townsend

"The win was there. We are aware victory was there."

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

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated 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.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done 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 Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed 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 required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

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

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