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"Victory was there. We are aware the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 loss at their home ground.

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

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the hard work that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident 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 best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

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

"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," 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 playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we need to put in what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

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

"It's the closest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey continues 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 stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."