New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has praised Scotland for pushing his side all the way during Saturday's win for the All Blacks at Murrayfield.
The Scots came close to causing a major upset yesterday afternoon before the world champions showed their mettle to prevail 26-14.
Despite Scotland's failure to see off New Zealand, Hansen believes that Vern Cotter's team could prove to be a surprise package in next year's Six Nations.
"I think Scotland are a very good side on the way up. I really do mean that sincerely," he told Sky Sports News. "I think by the time the Six Nations comes around they will be right in it.
"There was a period in the game where they wanted to play in their 22 and maybe when they review the game they will say they should have kicked that, because we defended that really well and put them under pressure."
New Zealand are back in action on November 22 when they face Wales in Cardiff.
Jack Prescott
