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

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

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• 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 knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized 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 response at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."