Wales are being savaged following record loss to Scotland

Warren Gatland’s Wales are being savaged after they suffered a record 35-7 loss to Scotland, one which had stood for 140 years of fixtures between the countries.

It meant Wales have now suffered successive defeats at the start of a Six Nations campaign for the first time since 2007.

Captain Ken Owens said: “We had a really good first-half performance and were perhaps a bit unlucky not to go in slightly ahead at half-time. In the second half we put pressure on ourselves and they punished us. When you are winning and you have got momentum, it is hard to lose, and there is a flip side to that.

“It is early days with a new coaching staff and some new players coming in. We need to work hard and we have got to find a win. We believe in what we are trying to achieve.”

It may be early days for the Gatland regime but it’s been two and half years of poor results for 2020 Guinness Six Nations champions.

They weren’t spared online.

Renowned rugby writer Peter Jackson asked whether Wales would win a match the entire tournament. “Wales have won as many Six Nations’ Grand Slams as England, Ireland and Scotland put together. Therefore the question with 3 matches left sounds almost like sacrilege: Are they going to win one?”

Wales have won as many Six Nations' Grand Slams as England, Ireland and Scotland put together. Therefore the question with 3 matches left sounds almost like sacrilege: Are they going to win one?

— Peter Jackson (@JackoRugby) February 11, 2023

Welsh rugby Youtuber Squidge went as far as suggesting Rugby World Cup minnows would be fancying their chances against Warren Gatland’s men. “Portugal must be licking their lips watching Wales.”

Portugal must be licking their lips watching Wales.

— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) February 11, 2023

Welsh rugby Tweeter James Phillips surmised that the wooden spoon might be the trophy that Wales are in the hunt for. “Wales looking every bit like wooden spoon contenders. A reflection of where Welsh rugby is at present.”

Wales looking every bit like wooden spoon contenders. A reflection of where Welsh rugby is at present. #SCOvWAL

— Jamie Phillips (@JNPhillips4) February 11, 2023

Commentator and writer Sam Roberts mischievously pondered if the men in red could even manage win the mythical trophy for finishing last. “Kinghorn to Van Der Merwe works as well as Van Der Merwe to Kinghorn. Russell on point again. Wales will do well to win the wooden spoon at this rate.”

Kinghorn to Van Der Merwe works as well as Van Der Merwe to Kinghorn. Russell on point again.

Wales will do well to win the wooden spoon at this rate.

— Sam Roberts (@SamRobertsComms) February 11, 2023

PA journalist Andrew Baldock also suggested it now a ‘strong possibility’. “Scotland very good. Wales’ attacking game worse than abysmal. Huge fortnight for Gatland and his players. Wooden spoon a strong possibility on today’s evidence.”

Scotland very good. Wales’ attacking game worse than abysmal. Huge fortnight for Gatland and his players. Wooden spoon a strong possibility on today’s evidence.

— Andrew Baldock (@balders2) February 11, 2023

ITV Wales journalist Matthew Southcombe likened it to be at the bottom of a very steep mountain. “Four defeats in a row for Wales now. The manner of the defeats are deeply concerning. Scotland in total control from start to finish. 6N is now a write-off for Wales but how does Gatland sort this out before the World Cup? They are at the foot of an extremely high mountain.”

Four defeats in a row for Wales now.

The manner of the defeats are deeply concerning. Scotland in total control from start to finish.

6N is now a write-off for Wales but how does Gatland sort this out before the World Cup?

They are at the foot of an extremely high mountain.

— Matthew Southcombe (@MattSouth7) February 11, 2023

Talismanic flyhalf Dan Biggar was also on chopping block, failing to perform after stirring the pot with sharp comments around Scotland pre-game.

The Rugby Scribbler caught the mood writing: “I really rate (and usually like) Dan Biggar. But after this week, I’m glad Scotland absolutely hammered him. Don’t dish that level of s*** if you’re not up to it.”

I really rate (and usually like) Dan Biggar. But after this week, I'm glad Scotland absolutely hammered him. Don't dish that level of shit if you're not up to it.

Same thing people have readily criticised Scotland for, for years. Touché.

— The Rugby Scribbler ? (@RugbyScribbler) February 11, 2023

The clock is ticking for Gatland, Biggar and Wales, who desperately need to find some form before the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.

additional reporting PA