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"The win could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

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

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game 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."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents 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 would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging 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's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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