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

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

However, 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'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments 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 must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that game show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• 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 apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple 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 need to put in what we have gained.

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

"But it's so disheartening with that effort that we didn't get a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop 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 defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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