Bravehearts were so close to making history

Scotland the brave. Actually, more like Scotland the downhearted.

It said a lot about the renewed attitude north of the border that there is no longer an element of satisfaction at running the All Blacks close. ‘‘Gallant losers’’ is a tag they’re desperate to shed.

After Saturday night’s (Sunday NZT) thrilling, exhilarating, unlucky 22-17 defeat to the All Blacks in Edinburgh, continuing their 117-year search for a first victory over the New Zealanders, the Scots’ key figures made it clear that the result was cause for commiseration, not celebration.

‘‘We’re gutted. We feel like that’s the one that got away,’’ said Scotland skipper John Barclay in the bowels of Murrayfield. ‘‘On the other hand, I’m very proud of how we played and the effort and intensity we showed out there.

‘‘We went 12 points behind and we still kept going. We had a great mentality to have a go. We knew the All Blacks were very dangerous and you can’t sit off them.’’

Asked if it was a defeat that felt different, Barclay said it was time for people to forget the ‘‘brave’’ tag, and acknowledge this was a side with ‘‘skill and intensity’’.

‘‘The way we’re trying to play is the right way. I’ve been playing New Zealand for a number of years, and last time (24-16 in 2014) we ran them pretty close. But the way we’re trying to pressurise teams, with and without the ball, yes, this is different.

‘‘But you’re never going to be happy to get so close to a side like New Zealand and not quite get over the line.’’

Coach Gregor Townsend, who has picked up on a restoration project started by Kiwi Vern Cotter, said the ‘‘effort and ability was outstanding.

‘‘The courage and fitness to keep on going and being accurate with 10 minutes to go was great and encouraging for the future. Also the belief within the squad that even though New Zealand scored a try, and we were down by 12, we were going back there.

‘‘That’s great. It generated a brilliant atmosphere – one of the best I’ve experienced watching a game. It was a brilliant test match.’’

Townsend said aggression on defence had been vital in shackling the planet’s No 1 side.

‘‘We knew we had to get up and not let them play,’’ he added. ‘‘We’d seen other teams stand off them, and they’re the most dangerous side in the world if you allow these players time to make the right decisions. And they’re very good one-on-one.

‘‘The players showed what they’re capable of, and keeping that level up every time we play is the tough thing.’’