But they trailed 16-0 after just 20 minutes at Murrayfield and managed just three points when Wales were reduced to 13 men and will be looking for their points of the competition when they entertain Ireland after the rest week. 

“I fully expect to see a rejuvenated Scotland take the game to Ireland in a fortnight,” said Hastings, who won all four of his matches against Wales at Murrayfield.

“It would be difficult to take any positives from the game.

“There were incredible errors that you wouldn't accept in a schoolboys' game.

“But it's too early to lose faith with this team.

“After Paris there was an awful lot of expectancy from the Scottish public.

“[Scotland head coach] Andy Robinson was incredibly disappointed with the performance of the team and I think they will work incredibly hard before Ireland come.”

Full back Sean Lamont came out criticising the effort of his teammates after the demoralising defeat.

And Hastings believes Lamont’s outburst was a clear indication of underlying problems.

“With a player expressing those views publically then you've got to think something has been wrong in the Scottish camp,” said the former British and Irish Lions captain.

“He's not having a go, he's suggesting that the players own up to their own mistakes.

“If a clear-the-air session can address those issues then I'm all for it.”