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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

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

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

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

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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