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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt 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.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity 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 performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries 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 notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost 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 meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win 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 decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."