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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

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

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

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 held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points 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 head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result 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 fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."