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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides 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 gripping 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 opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved 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 next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened 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 surrender or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."