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"Victory could have been ours. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

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

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

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

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we probably showed who we are 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.

"Elements of that performance show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• 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 been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been 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 better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win 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. "Either we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."