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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored 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 effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed who we are today and we probably revealed 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.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."