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"The win was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

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

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored 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 latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that performance show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

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 scored for the visitors.

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

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. 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 experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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