The Scottish Team Needs to Take the Following Move After New Zealand Heartbreak - Townsend

"Victory was there. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial 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 probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

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

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."