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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level 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 opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

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

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed 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 competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

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

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," 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 next week. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

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

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."