Video: Townsend doesn't hold back after Scotland defeat

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend accepts criticism is fair after their 34-7 defeat to Wales on the opening day of the Natwest 6 Nations on Saturday.

“I think we should be criticised for today’s performance, be it from you guys (media), the supporters who were down here or amongst ourselves. It was well short of what is required playing for Scotland. But we have an opportunity to put things right this week.”

“We come together (as a squad) few and far between. It is two months since our last game against Australia, now the shock is that we played so badly, given that we played so well in that last game. But we have four games, and the next one comes up quickly, and we have to be much, much better.”

He admitted that the occasion may have got to the players, similar to what happened at Twickenham in last season’s 6 Nations when they were trounced 61-21.

“It is something I’ve got to ask, because we didn’t play anything like we know we can play and we have played since that game at Twickeham and we have played away from home since then, but we weren’t focused or accurate enough.”

An early intercept try from Gareth Davies gave Wales the upper hand and they never looked back.

Two Leigh Halfpenny tries followed, in a 24-point performance from the full-back. Winger Steff Evans score the try which secured a bonus point.

Scotland’s try came from Peter Horne, in the 78th minute, with Finn Russell converting.