Scotland Needs to Take the Following Move Following New Zealand Defeat - Coach Townsend
- Released
- Revised
"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."
Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.
Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.
Nonetheless, 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 match-up.
"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend stated.
"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.
"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.
"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.
"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."
Crucial Events of the Game
- Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
- 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 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 single digit margins.
"I would like 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 squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.
"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.
"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.
"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."
Captain's Response
Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.
"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.
"There was no downside and all to play for.
"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."
