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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland 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 sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure 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.

"Aspects 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

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

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past 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 Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."