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

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in Scotland's display versus New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had three players placed in the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that second half showing was all character," Townsend remarked.

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

"Outstanding second period, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams 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 absorbing 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 visitors.

"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 single digit margins.

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

"It marks the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and emphasized the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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