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"The win could have been ours. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, 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 feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves 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 match is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing 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 lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion 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 encouraging.

"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose 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 simpler."