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"Victory was there. We know the win was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but was deflated by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.
Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.
Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.
"I'm really disappointed primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.
"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.
"Outstanding second period, we showed our true selves today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.
"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the match is there for us.
"Aspects of that game show we are up there 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 hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
- Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the visitors.
"Opponents get tired when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple 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 put in what we have gained.
"It marks the first time this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.
"But it's so disheartening with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.
"It represents the nearest we've been to victory, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.
"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."
Skipper's Response
Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "bittersweet" and stressed the importance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.
"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or choose to go for it.
"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.
"It is essential we bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."
