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"The win was there. We are aware victory was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we probably revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the top sides in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.

"Teams get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.

"This is the first time this team 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.

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to winning, I think. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, 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 bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."