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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, 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 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed 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 indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments 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 opponents.

"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 single digit margins.

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

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

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

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

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized 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. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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