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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

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

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

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• 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 fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized 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 needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

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