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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny 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 remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple 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 must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. 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 effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved 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."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain 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 instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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