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"The win was there. We know victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

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

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend stated.

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

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• 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 tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose 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 simpler."