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"Victory could have been ours. We know the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent 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 all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed 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 match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing 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.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

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

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and all to play for.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."