If Rob Howley and his coaching staff were hoping that Wales’ brave display in defeat to England would attract only positive reviews, then they will be severely disappointed.

They have come under fire from Shane Williams, the country’s leading try-corer, who has declared that they bear the responsibility for Alex Cuthbert being made a scapegoat – and to “stop picking him in blind hope”.

Williams’s comments will be keenly felt in the camp as he played under Howley and the bulk of the backroom when Warren Gatland's men won two Grand Slams in four years. But Williams is clearly unperturbed by any backlash.