Lana Skeldon believes defeat in Wales was still a big step forward for Scotland

The Scots’ losing streak in all competitions extended to 11 games on Saturday as they lost 34-22 at home to Wales, but Skeldon believes their performance is a significant improvement on the 58-7 defeat by England a week earlier was.

“Our performance on Saturday was a huge step up from last week,” she said. “The whole 80 minutes there we believed that we could win. We’re getting better game by game.

“We fought really well until the last minute, but unfortunately missed a few chances early on. Seizing our opportunities when they arise is something we strive to be better at.”

Confidence in the squad is inevitably low, especially among the new members of the group who are yet to win while playing for the national team. But Skeldon, one of the oldest players on the side at 29, is certain the younger players will do well.

“You can only win if you believe you can win,” she continued.

“My job as a veteran player in the squad is to infuse them with that belief and tell them to stand on their own.

“They’re here because they’re good enough and they have to recognize that. As one of the experienced players I just have to give them confidence because they are great players. They just have to realize how good they actually are.”

Skeldon was one of three try scorers for Scotland along with Chloe Rollie and Coreen Grant. Helen Nelson got the rest of the points with two conversions and a penalty.

Scotland’s next game is a week from now in France on Sunday.