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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance versus 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 draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work 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 couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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 opponents.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in 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 need to apply what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat 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 instructed the boys we required a reaction 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 the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."