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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated 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 crucial points when the match is there for us.

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• 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 been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

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

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

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."