The Scottish Team Needs to Make the Following Move After New Zealand Defeat - Coach Townsend
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"The win was there. We know the win was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.
Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.
Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.
"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.
"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.
"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed 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 game is there for us.
"Elements of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."
Crucial Events of the Game
- Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
- Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up 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 head coach - all by narrow margins.
"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.
"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.
"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.
"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better 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 defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened 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 we lie down or choose to fight back.
"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."