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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably 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.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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 opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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