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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

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

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are 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.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"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 second half, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."