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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are 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 game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping 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.

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain 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 told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."