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"The win could have been ours. We know victory was within reach."

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

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed 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 match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

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

"This is the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," 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."