Scotland learn from the best

 

The Scots pushed the All Blacks close as they went in search of that elusive first ever win against the Kiwis.

 

It was their 28th defeat from 30 clashes stretching back 109 years, but despite coming within 10 points of the world champions for the first time since 1991, they could only slump to a 24-16 defeat at Murrayfield.

 

Just a week on from scoring five tries against Argentina, the Scots were this time forced to show their defensive resolve and did so as they stood up to Steve Hansen's men for long spells in Edinburgh.

 

And Cotter expects his side to get better and better for the experience of taking on genuine world greats like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

 

"Nobody likes losing and these guys least of all. That is encouraging. Not liking losing is a quality," he said.

 

"We got close but we didn't get there so we have to say we are disappointed. But when you look at the content of what the players did out there, it's hard for a coach to be unhappy when you see that effort, desire and determination.

 

"Our defence was excellent. Apart from a couple of plays, everybody put their hands up and really led the team.

 

"I feel for the players. We always knew this game was going to give us things and I think it gave us a lot of positives.

 

"The review after the Argentina game was really honest – the players really had a good look at themselves. This game gives us another chance to do that having taken on the world's best.

 

"There were a lot of really good things in the game but also a lot of things we need to improve. But that's the nature of this group – they want to improve. They are young and want to move forward."

 

The result could have been all so different had Laidlaw not sent a penalty wide with 15 minutes left while his side trailed by a single point.

 

"It was a big chance but it just hung out to the right," said the skipper Laidlaw.

 

"But we win together and we lose together. I will take the credit when I kick the winner but that one just got away in the end."