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

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

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores 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.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - 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 learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."