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

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

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

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

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 held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

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

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."