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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck 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.

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

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

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, ability. 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 very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

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

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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