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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny 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 performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries 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 first half 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 multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score 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.

"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."