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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," 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 next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

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

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

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