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"Victory was there. We know victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players 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 showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," 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 playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."