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

"The win was there. We know victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was 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 multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed who we are by not getting 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 up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• 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 opponents.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done 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 next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."