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"The win could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

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

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

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance 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.

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

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

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just must make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three 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.

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

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

"It represents the nearest we've come to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, field position, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

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

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."