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

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

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

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck 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 hard work that went into that second half showing 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 half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Match

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

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

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

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and all to play for.

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