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"Victory was there. We know the win was within reach."

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

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed 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 performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

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

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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