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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 versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

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

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

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

"I told the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.

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

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