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"The win could have been ours. We are aware the win was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that second half showing was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely revealed 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.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must 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 stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"This is the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion 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 come to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Captain's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

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