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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was 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 New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are 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.

"Elements of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. 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 failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. 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 more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

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

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."