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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's display against New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight 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 prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung 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.

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

"Aspects of that game indicate 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 brought Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• 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.

"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 single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."