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

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

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents 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 soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop 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 winning, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, ability. 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 very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss 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 told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."