Scotland Must Make the Next Step After New Zealand Heartbreak - Coach Townsend

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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed 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 must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

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

"Teams get fatigued 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 facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."