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"The win could have been ours. We know the win was there."

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

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score 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 historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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