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"Victory was there. We know victory was within reach."

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

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half showing was pure determination," 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.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed our identity 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 indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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 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 narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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