🔗 Share this article Scotland Needs to Take the Next Step After New Zealand Heartbreak - Townsend Scottish skipper Sione Tuipulotu called the loss to New Zealand as mixed emotions Published 8 November 2025, 19:30 GMT Updated 60 minutes prior "The win could have been ours. We know the win was within reach." Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground. The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour. However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up. "I'm really disappointed first of all, 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 seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way. "Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity 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. "Elements of that game show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance." Crucial Events of the Game Tries 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 fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins. "I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained. "This is the first time 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 encouraging. "However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win. "It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter. "The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship." Captain's Reaction Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States. "I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it. "We had no downside and all to play for. "It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."