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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

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

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

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 stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."