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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed 17-0 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 chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed 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.

"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 Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 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 manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. 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 bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."