Scotland Must Take the Following Move After All Blacks Defeat - Coach Townsend
- Published
- Revised
"Victory was there. We know victory was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.
The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.
However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.
"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.
"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.
"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed 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 match is there for us.
"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."
Crucial Events of the Game
- Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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 opponents.
"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three 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 need to put in what we have gained.
"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.
"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.
"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.
"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."
Captain's Reaction
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.
"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," 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."
