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"Victory was there. We know the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."