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

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

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil 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 first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are 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 game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• 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 apply pressure," 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 gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."