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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

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

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, 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 seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves 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 crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

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

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"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.

"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 believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."