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"Victory was there. We are aware the win 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.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, 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 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure 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 game show we are competitive 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 battle.
• 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 apply pressure," 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 next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

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

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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