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"Victory could have been ours. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams 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 narrow margins.

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

"This is the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."