Scotland Needs to Take the Following Move After All Blacks Defeat - Townsend

"Victory was there. We know victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting 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.

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents 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 narrow margins.

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

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved 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 coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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