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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger 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 win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."