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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance 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 showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points 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 must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

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

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I believe. 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.

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

Skipper's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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