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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, 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 deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we probably showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides 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 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 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 facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."