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"The win was there. We know victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance indicate we are competitive 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 gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity immediately 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 represents the nearest we've come to victory, 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 encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance 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 response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."