McBryde expects Wales to improve

Robin McBryde accepts that Wales' dismal RBS 6 Nations defeat against England was "hardly a performance to be proud of."

Wales failed to score a point in the second-half, subsiding to a 21-16 Millennium Stadium loss last Friday after holding what appeared to be a comfortable lead at the interval.

They must now regroup for next Sunday's testing Murrayfield appointment with Scotland.

Although Wales have beaten the Scots seven times in succession, Scotland's impressive performance in suffering a narrow reversal against Paris hosts France last weekend suggests they could start as marginal favourites.

"It was hardly a performance to be proud of, and in fairness to the players, there is nobody more disappointed than they are," Wales assistant coach McBryde said.

"They know that in the second-half we didn't perform for whatever reason, and England, in fairness, really grasped the nettle as we dwindled.

"The players know there is strength in depth through the squad, and they are going to feel a little bit of that competitiveness in training this week.

"We are going up to a Scottish team that is rejuvenated on the back of some good results and performances, and I am sure they are keen to get us up there as well and give us a welcome at Murrayfield.

"It will be a test for us with regards to how we bounce back, not only from the defeat, but the manner of the defeat.

"The players have come in, they are hungry, with quite a bit of honesty among the group as well, which from a coaching point of view is great.

"That is when you find out about people, when they are put in a tight corner and see how they react."

Wales have not lost their opening two games of a Six Nations campaign for eight years, and despite the England result, it is anticipated that head coach Warren Gatland will keep any changes to a minimum when he announces his line-up.

Wales centre Jamie Roberts said: "Two years ago we showed we can bounce back (Wales lost their opening game to Ireland and went on to win the Six Nations title), and we have to look to do the same in this tournament.

"The Six Nations is too short a tournament to dwell on what happens one week, moving to the next.

"We will learn from our mistakes - and there were quite a few - and we will move forward.

"We are playing a very good Scotland team on Sunday that is much improved. It is going to be a massive game.

"Having seen us play Friday night, and the way we did play, which was thoroughly disappointing, they will be rubbing their hands together. There is no doubt about that.

"I think we are a team that plays its best rugby when our backs are against the wall, and you will certainly see a very motivated Wales team at Murrayfield next Sunday."