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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight 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 deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated 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 have to win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."