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"The win was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we probably 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 game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

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

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."