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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely showed 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.

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

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 opponents.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost 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 play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

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

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

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

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

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."