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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

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

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

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that game show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 notched points for the opponents.

"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 single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play 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 challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

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

Skipper's Reaction

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

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

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."