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"The win could have been ours. We know victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

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

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries 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 notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

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

"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed 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 required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."