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"Victory could have been ours. We know the win was within reach."

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

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed 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 need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued 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 meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, 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 coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win 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. "Either 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."