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"Victory was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

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

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

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed 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 game is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

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

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

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance 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 response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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