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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."