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

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

The hosts trailed 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 first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed 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 competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"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 second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history 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."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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