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"Victory was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level 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 opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done 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 more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," 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 aren't going to make it simpler."