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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed our identity 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 game show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, 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 continues today. We have a crucial game next week and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a reaction at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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