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"The win was there. We are aware victory was within reach."

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

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight 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 prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

"Elements of that game show we are up there 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 battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."