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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure 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 need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores 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 notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

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

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."