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

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

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

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

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 scored for the opponents.

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

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

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."