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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity 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 all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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 visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - 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 gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

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

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."