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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity 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.

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

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."