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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed our identity 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.

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

Key Moments of the Match

• 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 notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

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

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."