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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

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

"Opponents get fatigued 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 playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. 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 performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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