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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

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

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the game is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."