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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

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

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores 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 fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit 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 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 frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

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

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."