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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed 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 few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides 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 absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past 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

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."