Scotland had taken the lead through a Dan Parks penalty but failed to register thereafter with Steadman believing only a third of the starting 15 were worthy of their place.

Andy Robinson’s troops welcome world champions South Africa next to Murrayfield and Steadman is adamant the axe will fall on those underperformers.

“I felt there were only five that played average or above average and against the best team in the world you have to have everyone firing on all cylinders and that wasn’t the case,” said Steadman.

“It was surreal – the speed they were playing at and our inability to contain them. It was as if we were in third gear and they were in fifth and knocking it up to sixth.

“But I’d like to think it is nothing that can’t be fixed. I am ever the optimist and we have had one or two home truths said.

“But the pleasing thing is the players have held their hands up and been very honest. They know that what was on show against New Zealand was unacceptable.”