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"The win could have been ours. We know victory 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 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 deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive 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 battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

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

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

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

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