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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil 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 fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up 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 head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

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

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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