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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we probably revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive 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 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 knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - 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 gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately 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 been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, 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 very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."