While Paterson’s kicking remains ever-reliable - his flawless display followed a perfect record from 17 attempts in the World Cup - Scotland’s inability to breach defences is becoming just as predictable.

Chris Cusiter’s late effort in the World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina is their only try in five matches.

Wales coach Warren Gatland was surprised at Scotland’s cautious tactics and claimed only one team was trying to play rugby.

But, after watching his side struggle to threaten both Wales and France, opposite number Hadden believes the key is to stop losing possession in their next Six Nations encounter, in Ireland on February 23.

“Last week it was at the first phase, at least we got one phase further this week, but it’s still not good enough,” he said.

“We need to look individually at why we make so many errors and collectively why we seem to get the wrong people in the wrong positions.”

Paterson, restored to the starting line-up on the wing for his 83rd cap, backed Hadden’s assessment that basic errors are scuppering their forward moves.

The Gloucester player, 29, said: “We don’t need to go back to the drawing board as such, we have confidence in what we are doing, we are just not doing it well enough.

“Out of our sequences of attack, we have only completed one in two games. That led to a pretty good break against France last week.

“The structures are right, it’s just our execution that is letting us down. Whether that is a wee bit of inexperience or whether that’s nerves or whatever, I don’t know.

“But the worst thing we can do is lose confidence in what we are doing.”

Hadden could scarcely believe television match official Carlo Damasco’s decision to award a second try for Shane Williams despite the winger’s foot hitting touch.

But he admitted the Scots had not done enough. And, while bemoaning the six-day break after the 27-6 defeat by France, he also confessed his faith in youth was being exposed.

“We have really spent this week scrambling away on the phone trying to find out who is going to be available for next week,” Hadden said.

“It’s hard to create any rhythm, you are really expecting individual players to play with a bit of flair.”