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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat 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 multiple members 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 effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores 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 scored for the visitors.

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

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

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

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