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"Victory was there. We know the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure 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 show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you knock on the door," 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 next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we didn't get a win.

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

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

Skipper's Response

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

"I told the boys we required a response at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or choose to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."