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"The win could have been ours. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are 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.

"Elements of that game show we are competitive 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 brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

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

"But it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."