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"The win was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

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

"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 push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely 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 up there 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 hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging 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 winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."