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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united 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 frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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