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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must 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 need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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 would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."