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"The win was there. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity 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 performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams 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 absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents 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 play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved 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 very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."