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"Victory was there. We are aware victory was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but felt deflated by a 25-17 defeat at their home ground.

The hosts were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we have to win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that performance 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 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 tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by narrow margins.

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

"It marks the first time this team has been united since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so frustrating with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started 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 we lie down or decide to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."