"The win was there. We know victory was within reach."
Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed 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 draw level on the hour.
Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the sin bin, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.
"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that latter period showing was all character," Townsend remarked.
"We needed to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.
"Exceptional second half, we showed who we are today and we likely 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 game is there for us.
"Elements of that performance show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just must make that following advance."
"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.
"I'd love to be facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.
"It marks the initial occasion this squad 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's the closest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the later stages, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are improved for the experience.
"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the championship."
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.
"I told the boys we needed a response at half time," he said. "Either surrender or choose to fight back.
"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 simpler."
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