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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that swung New Zealand's way.

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

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those crucial points 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 next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores 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 notched points for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

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

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

Skipper's Response

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

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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