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"Victory was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated 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 show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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