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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

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

"It was crucial to kick on 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 probably revealed 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 game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."