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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 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 probably revealed 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.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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 visitors.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"This is the first time this team has played together 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 frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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