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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score 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 fixture.

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

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing 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 opponents.

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

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

"This is the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."