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"Victory could have been ours. We know victory was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward 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 who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores 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 notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," 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 meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

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

"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."