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"Victory was there. We know victory was there."

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

Scotland were behind 17-0 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, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"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 apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time 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 disheartening 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, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

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

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

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

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