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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed 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 performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents 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 next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."