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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that game indicate 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 brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents 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 single digit margins.

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

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

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

Captain's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."