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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated 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 tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely showed our identity by failing to secure 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 show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

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

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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