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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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.

"Teams 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'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

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