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"Victory was there. We know victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely showed 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."

Key Moments of the Game

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

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow 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 think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader 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 instructed 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 everything to gain.

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