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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing 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.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points 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."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries 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 scored for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."