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"The win could have been ours. We know the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the interval, only to storm 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 deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

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

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

"Outstanding second half, we showed who we are today and we likely showed 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 game is there for us.

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

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be playing New Zealand again next week. We play Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

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

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

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

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