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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

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

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth 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 up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, 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 coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance 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. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."