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"Victory could have been ours. We know victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, 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 prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores 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 opponents.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

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

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game next week and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it any easier."