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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware victory was there."

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

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I'm really disappointed first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed who we are today and we likely revealed who we are by failing to secure the win as well.

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

"Elements of that performance show we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that next step."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled 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 notched points for the opponents.

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

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

"This is the first time this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

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

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

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

Skipper's Response

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a response at the break," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to fight back.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."