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

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

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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 visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."