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"The win could have been ours. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level 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 historic win in this match-up.

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

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

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

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple 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 learned.

"It marks the first time this team has played together 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 victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done 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 very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance 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. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."