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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's 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 multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"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 next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss 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 response at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

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

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."