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

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

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed our identity 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.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries 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 notched points for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team 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 frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."