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

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

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points 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 next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• 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 tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."