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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck 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 effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably 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 match is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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 tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united 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 frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. 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 bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

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

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was 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."