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"Victory was there. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

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

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting 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.

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents 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 single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."