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"The win was there. We are aware victory was there."

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

The hosts trailed seventeen to nil 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 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 effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed 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 up there with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Tries 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

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

"It marks the initial occasion this squad has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

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

"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.

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

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a historic result against the United States.

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

"There was no downside and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."