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

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display against New Zealand but felt deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland were behind seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this match-up.

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

"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we likely showed who we are by not getting the win as well.

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

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

Crucial Events of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an gripping 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 visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you knock on the door," 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 soon. We meet Argentina and we need to apply what we have learned.

"This is the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that unity straight away is challenging and to see it grow during the game is encouraging.

"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Skipper's Reaction

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

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

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it simpler."