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

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

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed our identity by not getting 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 performance show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," 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 next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled 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.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."