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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck 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 showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

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

"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 scored for the opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow 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 come to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."