The Scottish Team Needs to Take the Following Move After All Blacks Defeat - Coach Townsend
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"The win could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."
Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.
Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.
However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.
"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance 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 our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are 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 game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."
Crucial Events of the Game
- Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing 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 visitors.
"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.
"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.
"This is the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.
"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.
"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.
"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."
Skipper's Response
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.
"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.
"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.
"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."