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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

"Elements of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping 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.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

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

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."