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"Victory was there. We know victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance 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.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely 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 game is there for us.

"Aspects of that game indicate we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost 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 play Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history 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 defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

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