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"The win was there. We know victory was within reach."

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

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

"Elements of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"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 single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. 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

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."