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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

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

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

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed who we are 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 show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance 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 reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."