Scotland Needs to Make the Following Move After New Zealand Heartbreak - Townsend

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

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

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

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped 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 multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."