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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, 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 deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped 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 would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow 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 believe. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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