The result ensured Wales went 2-0 down in the Test series and the 28-year-old was the only man to be dropped from the match-day 22 for the final Test.

Only four of Hibbard’s 17 Welsh caps have come in the RBS 6 Nations and he knows if he is to add to that tally next spring he will have to put his summer heartache behind him quickly.

Despite his club Ospreys’ poor start to the season Hibbard insists he is in good shape but he admits that he may have to discover the form of his life to get back into the Wales squad for the autumn internationals.

“I’m feeling fit. I had a great pre-season, I’m lighter than I have been and I’m in great nick,” Hibbard told Wales Online.

“My hunger for the game is massive and I couldn’t wait for the season to start.

“During the course of a long career you are going to have these setbacks.

“It’s how you deal with them that matters, whether or not you can get up and prove people wrong.

“I hope nothing is held against me. Everyone wants to pull on the red jersey and I’m no different. It means a massive amount to represent Wales.

“What I have to do is play better than I’ve ever played, so the Wales management will feel I deserve another chance.”