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"Victory was there. We know the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably 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.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

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

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."