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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, 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 big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped 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 been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. 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 next week and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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