Gregor Townsend seemed more gutted than he’s ever been at the conclusion of Scotland’s near-miss against New Zealand. The coach clearly believes Sunday at Murrayfield was their chance.
Not in 117 years have the Scots beaten the All Blacks, and it was there with “the biggest lead we have had over New Zealand in our history”.
‘With those margins you have to kick on and win’
Sometimes it’s about more than just the rugby.@MNDoddie5 | #AsOne pic.twitter.com/RXED44W9aC
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 13, 2022
“But we didn’t win,” he said. “We scored 23 points to nil in the 50-minute period. We led 23-14. With those margins you have to kick on and win.
“You have to see out the win and we did not do that.”
Conversely, plenty Scotland sides would have been buried for good after losing two tries to the All Blacks within seven minutes.
“The calmness the players showed and sticking to it, playing with energy, showing their skill individually was pleasing,” he continued.
“But we were nine point up and controlled our own destiny in those last fifteen minutes. New Zealand were always going to come back into it, they are a very good team. But we allowed them to get better field positions and penalties.”
Was it the sorest one to take in his time? “Japan in the World Cup will be up there with this,” he said.
‘His decision-making around when and where to play were very good’
A huge effort, but not quite enough. #AsOne | #ScovNZ pic.twitter.com/AEn3RyUNDP
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) November 13, 2022
He was pleased with the return of Finn Russell after omitting him from the Autumn squad entirely three weeks ago.
“I thought he was very good. His decision making around where to play, when to pay, was very good. His goal-kicking (a conversion and three penalties, with no misses) was excellent.”
Townsend also had praise for veterans Fraser Brown and Richie Gray, but was most gutted for his friend Doddie Weir.
The ailing British Lion, who suffers from MND, did get to the game and was greeted with adulation by the crowd and players before kick-off.
“It was a big occasion for Doddie and his family,” said Townsend. “It was a brilliant to hear the crowd show their appreciation for him. But we wanted to win the game for Doddie and we didn’t.”
‘We were the better team for the majority of that game’
Jamie Ritchie has been outstanding so far – while the ABs have been uncharacteristically indisciplined.
Scotland deserve their lead
Should be a cracking 2nd half!— David Sole (@davidsole678) November 13, 2022
Skipper Jamie Ritchie was proud of the performance, but disappointment was “the overriding emotion.”
“I spoke about being brave and being courageous. I think we did that extremely well.
“I said to Doddie before we went out: ‘I want to do it for you.’ And I think he would be proud of us, looking at the performance. It’s just unfortunate we were on the wrong side of the result. We were the better team for the majority of that game.
“It’s pretty tough. We’ve been penalised within a metre of the line three times. It’s tough to take.
“If you look at the game, we certainly had more chances, so it’s pretty gutting.
“It’s been our best performance, rugby wise, for a wee while. We can build on that going into next week.”