Winger Gareth Thomas insists team spirit in the Welsh camp remains intact despite their 30-22 RBS 6 Nations defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield.

The result sent Wales to the foot of the championship table - and with big guns Ireland and France still to come, Steve Hansen's men are unlikely to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

Italy were the first side to expose Welsh frailties with a shock victory at the Stadio Flaminio - and England added to their woes a week later, although a brave performance against Clive Woodward's men gave fans some hope.

But on Saturday they were overcome by a Scotland side which had collapsed to successive record defeats in their opening championship matches, plunging the beleaguered Welsh game to fresh depths of despair.

Despite their current form, Bridgend back Thomas has confidence in the national side and has urged his team-mates to remain united as they look for a return to winning ways.

"The mood is down in the camp because we're on a bit of a losing streak at the moment," said the burly threequarter, who won his 64th cap on Saturday.

"But we have belief in each other and we have a great squad spirit. Everyone wants to play together, play for Wales and play their best.

"Against Scotland it wasn't a case of the guy next to me letting me down - we know that we all gave 100% and we shouldn't be down on anyone in particular. We've just got to remain upbeat because there are two games left to play."

A powerful opening quarter from Scotland laid the foundations for their first victory of the 2003 championship as tries from Bruce Douglas and Simon Taylor, combined with seven points from goalkicking ace Chris Paterson, swept the home side into an early 17-3 lead.

With Paterson landing every shot at goal, the Scots were well on top - and despite Welsh resurgence in the second half, the home defence held firm.

The scoreline suggested a close match, but Wales scored two tries deep into injury time to retain some respectability from a disappointing afternoon.

The game also marked Scotland's first try of the tournament, and Thomas chose to forgive his own side's shortcomings in favour of expressing his admiration for Ian McGeechan's men.

"It's so difficult when you're playing catch-up rugby - Scotland made a very strong start in the opening 20 minutes, and that made it difficult for us," he said.

"I think we've got to give credit to Scotland - they defended our set piece very well. They used Scott Murray to good effect, and he stole some of our ball in the line-out.

"But that's a credit to them, and I don't think we can criticise ourselves too harshly - you have to give praise where it's due."

Wales' next opponents Ireland have hit a rich vein of form - adding to their clean sweep of victories in the autumn internationals with wins over Scotland, Italy and France in the Six Nations.

Even on home territory at the Millennium Stadium Wales will have much to prove against the rampant Irish - but Thomas has demanded that his side remains positive.

"We realise we've got a point to prove - we've got to show the Welsh public that we are a good international team with good players," he said.

"On our own patch and with the squad we have, anything is possible. It's pointless going into the game thinking what Ireland have achieved - we've just got to focus on our positives."