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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Manager 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 trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion 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 encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."