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"Victory was there. We know 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 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game show 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 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 opponents.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, 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 improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."