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"The win was there. We are aware the win was there."

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

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match 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."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping 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.

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."