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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

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

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments 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 must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance 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 choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."