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

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

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

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

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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 visitors.

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

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

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response 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 the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."