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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish display 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 fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"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.

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are 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.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Match

• 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

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

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."