FLANKER Blair Cowan insists Scotland's narrow loss to the All Blacks proves they are on the brink of achieving something "special".

Vern Cotter's players pushed the world champs all the way at BT Murrayfield on Saturday before losing 24-16.

Their last game before the RBS 6 Nations gets under way in February comes on Saturday when they face Tonga at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock.

With the World Cup also on the horizon next year, Cowan said: "We feel that we are heading towards something special. We are a team on the up. The unity among the squad and the sense that we are going somewhere is amazing."

Looking back to last weekend's match, the London Irish back-rower said: "If you are going to accept defeats then you may as well give up. We are bitterly disappointed but there are positives we can build on.

"We feel something is growing in this squad. It's very special and perfectly timed with the Six Nations and World Cup coming up.

"But we have a big game against Tonga, so we have to get back to work quickly."

Cowan, who was born in New Zealand, had to keep his emotions in check as he watched the All Blacks perform their haka before the match.

"It was an amazing experience. I felt a lot of pride at getting to where I am now," he said.

"Watching the haka was a bit of home for me, something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

"But after the kick-off I just tried to remember all the jobs I had to do."