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

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, 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 feel let down first of all, 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 few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

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

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued 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 next week. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

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

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

Captain's Response

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

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."