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"Victory was there. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

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

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

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

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably showed 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 performance indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up 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 three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."