Another 'tough pill to swallow' for Scotland
REACTION: Sione Tuipulotu was left lamenting a failure to capitalise on a rousing second-half comeback after a 17-25 defeat by New Zealand left Scotland still searching for a win over the All Blacks.
Scotland’s hopes of a first victory over New Zealand in 120 years appeared to have been extinguished at 0-17 down at half-time, with Cam Roigard and Will Jordan scoring tries for the All Blacks.
But the Scots fought back in the second half at Murrayfield as tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn and a Finn Russell penalty levelled the match at 17-17 heading into the final quarter.
But the All Blacks, despite having three players yellow-carded, regained their composure, with a superb try and a long-range penalty from replacement Damian McKenzie guiding New Zealand to a 31st win in 33 matches against the Scots, with two draws.
“I’m gutted,” said Scotland captain Tuipulotu. “I know how much goes into a performance like that, so I’m proud of the group.
“I don’t want to get up here and say ‘I’m proud of the group’ and ‘we played well’ because I think we’re a better team than that now.
“We showed in that game that we could have got what we wanted and what we came here to do today [Saturday], and that’s win, so it’s a tough pill to swallow right now. Me and the group and the coaches are hurting.”
Australia-born centre Tuipulotu, who appeared to be on the verge of tears, added: “At 17-all, when Finn kicked the penalty…I felt like that period there was some of the best rugby that I’ve been a part of when I’ve been playing for Scotland.
“When the scoreline was 17-all, I thought maybe we could have stayed a little bit more aggressive.”
