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

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

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players 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 first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

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

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 held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

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

"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."