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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

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

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

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

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."