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"The win was there. We know the win was there."

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

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

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

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

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

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

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

Crucial Events of the Game

• 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 notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple 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 need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started 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 go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."