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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 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 sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, 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 have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

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

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 stopped 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 head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

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

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

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

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."