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

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

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

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

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams 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 single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

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