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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, scored 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 effort that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

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

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score 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.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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