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"Victory could have been ours. We know victory was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish display against New Zealand but was disappointed by a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.
The hosts trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.
However, the New Zealand team, who had three players sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this fixture.
"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing 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 half, we showed our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by not getting 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.
"Aspects of that performance indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."
Key Moments 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 opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.
"Opponents get tired when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.
"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We meet Argentina and we must put in what we have learned.
"It marks the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion immediately is challenging and to see it grow during the game is positive.
"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.
"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We controlled the later stages, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our history and we are improved for the encounter.
"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and bigger games to come in the championship."
Captain's Response
Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.
"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "We could we lie down or decide to go for it.
"There was no downside and everything to gain.
"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."
