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"The win was there. We are aware the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"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 who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are competitive 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 absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved 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 bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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