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"The win could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."

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

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

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

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"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 narrow margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating 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, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

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