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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to fight 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 first victory in this fixture.

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

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

"Exceptional second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by not getting 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 competitive 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 battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by narrow margins.

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

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"The team's path continues today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

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