Scotland Must Take the Following Move After All Blacks Heartbreak - Coach Townsend

"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil 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 historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely showed 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 match is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost 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 play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"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 second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."