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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, scored 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 second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional 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 big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are up there 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 hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

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

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

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

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

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance 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 reaction at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."