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

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

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."