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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, only to storm back and tie the score 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 match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed 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 game is there for us.

"Elements of that game show 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 contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

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

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down 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 simpler."