The hosts conceded five tries to their rampant visitors in the opening 40 minutes and, 38-3 down at the interval, talk of record defeats began to surface.

But Scotland rallied to win the second half 19-8 and Bulloch took heart from the comeback ahead of next weeks Calcutta Cup meeting with England at Twickenham.

We gave away ball in the first half, and they punished us with some fantastic rugby, Bulloch told BBC2.

Scotland coach Matt Williams lamented his side's defensive showing in the first half, which left them a mountain to climb after the break.

He said: "The defensive display in the first 40 minutes was unacceptable. The number of missed tackles was the worst missed tackle count we've had.

"It's doubly frustrating because we improved so much in the second half and if we had the same intensity and accuracy in the first half we could have done something.

"We said all week not to kick away ball because they have four guys waiting back there for it, in order to counter.

"The first time we did that they scored a try. It's an ongoing lesson to all members of the team. Although we didn't follow the plan, it was the defence which killed us.

"Even when they were down to 14 men we still kicked a couple of times even though we got the message on to keep the ball in hand.

"Having said that Wales must be given great credit, they are the best team we have played and deserve to be going for the Grand Slam.

"If they play like that next week they will be very difficult to beat.''