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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

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

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and all to play for.

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