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"The win was there. We know the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

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

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, 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.

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. 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 Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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