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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, 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 stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match 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."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

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

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

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

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."