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"Victory was there. We know the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts 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 penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

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

"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 manager - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

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