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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

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

"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 half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments 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 following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired 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 would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

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

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

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

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance 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 response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."