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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are 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 big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries 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 scored for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

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

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

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."