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"The win could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

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

The hosts trailed 17-0 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 deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• 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 opponents.

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks 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's the closest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."