Scotland Must Take the Next Step After All Blacks Heartbreak - Townsend

"The win was there. We know the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that performance show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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 visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion 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 encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."