🔗 Share this article The Scottish Team Must Take the Following Move After All Blacks Defeat - Townsend Scotland skipper Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat to New Zealand as bittersweet Released November 8, 2025 at 7:30 PM GMT Updated 60 minutes prior "Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was within reach." Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground. The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour. However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up. "I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked. "It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way. "Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well. "There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us. "Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step." Key Moments of the Game Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 visitors. "Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple 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 need to apply what we have learned. "This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging. "But it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win. "It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience. "Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the championship." Skipper's Response Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States. "I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it. "There was nothing to lose and all to play for. "It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."