🔗 Share this article The Scottish Team Needs to Make the Next Step Following All Blacks Heartbreak - Townsend Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu called the loss to New Zealand as mixed emotions Released 8 November 2025, 19:30 GMT Updated 60 minutes prior "Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was within reach." Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground. Scotland trailed 17-0 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 sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture. "I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked. "We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way. "Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed our identity 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. "Elements of that game show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance." Key Moments of the Game Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle. Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors. "Teams get tired when you knock on the door," 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 play Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained. "It marks the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive. "However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win. "It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience. "Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship." Captain's Response Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States. "I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back. "We had no downside and everything to gain. "We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."