Hadden, relishing his first RBS 6 Nations campaign, saw Scotland fail to build on their surprise opening victory over France as they lost 28-18 to Wales at Cardiffs Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

But he praised the heart and desire they showed in adversity after being reduced to 14 players for most of the match following the sending off of second row Scott Murray in the 22nd minute.

That was an extremely gutsy effort from our guys. There was certainly no shortage of commitment, said Hadden, who claims that the championship is far from decided, even though every country but England has now tasted defeat.

He believes that the six teams are more evenly matched than they have been for years and that home advantage could play a big part in the eventual outcome.

When you travel away from home you have to get everything spot on, he said. Its difficult travelling  not impossible but difficult.

I certainly believe that, with the standards of the teams now, there is not such a big gap as there has been in the past and the quality of rugby we are seeing is absolutely breathtaking.''

Scotland were on the receiving end of a barnstorming start by the Welsh forwards and skipper Jason White readily admitted that is one area which needs addressing in the build-up to the England clash.

Scotland were bulldozed into conceding a penalty try after only six minutes, which put Wales in the driving seat, and White said: ''We conceded the advantage at that point and gave away a couple of penalties. I am disappointed with the way the scrums went.''