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"Victory was there. We know victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to 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."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," 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 facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

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

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response 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 recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."