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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

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

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

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