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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 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 multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• 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.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," 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 play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But 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 second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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