The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
TOWNSEND GUTTED AS SCOTS BLOW BIG CHANCE
Gregor Townsend seemed more gutted than he’s ever been at the conclusion of Scotland’s near-miss against New Zealand at BT Murrayfield.
The coach clearly believes yesterday was their chance.
The Scots looked on course for their firstever triumph over the All Blacks when they scored 23 points without reply to wipe out the visitors’ early 14-0 lead and take a nine-point advantage themselves.
However, the All Blacks hit back to clinch a 31-23 victory.
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”.
Townsend 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.”
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 decisionmaking around where to play, when to play, was very good. His goal-kicking (a conversion and three penalties, with no misses) was excellent.”
Townsend was also gutted for his friend Doddie Weir.
The ailing British Lion, who suffers from MND, 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 brilliant to hear the crowd show their appreciation for him.
“But we wanted to win the game for Doddie and we didn’t.”
Dundee-born skipper Jamie Ritchie was proud of the performance, but disappointment was “the overriding emotion”.
He said: “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.”
See pages 48-49