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"The win was there. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the game 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."

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 stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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