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

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

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

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, 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 effort 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 couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

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

Key Moments of the Match

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

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."