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"The win was there. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt deflated 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 multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

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

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought 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 opponents.

"Opponents get tired 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 playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow 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 come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."