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"The win was there. We are aware the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"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 couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple 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 meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."