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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

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

Key Moments 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 notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," 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 next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

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

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

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