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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

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

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

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

Crucial Events of the Game

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

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," 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 next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

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

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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