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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored 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 effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there 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 brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued 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 meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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