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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all 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 our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must 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 must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

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

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

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

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. 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.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."