Hadden says his players made simple errors against France

"We're obviously bitterly disappointed that we've let down the fans who came here," he told BBC Sport.

"We desperately wanted to win but we made the sort of elementary errors we made in the World Cup quarter-final.

"Some of our build-up work was good but when we got into their 22 we were like rabbits in front of headlights."

Scotland could only notch a penalty and a drop-goal, in reply to France's three converted tries and two penalties.

I believe the squad's made of pretty stern stuff and we're determined to put matters right next weekend Frank Hadden

The visitors started with four debutants and Hadden admitted the new-look French side played better than anticipated.

"We knew they had picked a real quality side, but I think everybody was surprised at how quickly they gelled - especially their defence, which I thought was absolutely outstanding," he added.

"They rode their luck. I think the three tries they scored all involved the bouncing ball, and I think to pick up that amount of lucky bounces in one day you know your luck's going for you."

Hadden raised eyebrows ahead of the match by relegating leading points-scorer Chris Paterson to the bench.

However, the Scotland coach said he would not be affected by criticism that may come his way off the back of the defeat.

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"You can always criticise team selection," he said.

"It doesn't really matter which side you pick, everyone is always going to have their favourites they want included.

"We were happy with the side we selected. We believed it was a side capable of winning the game, and it just wasn't to be."

Next for Scotland is a trip to Cardiff to face a Wales team that shocked England with their first victory at Twickenham in 20 years.

"We know we've got a six-day turnaround - which is extremely tough," Hadden said.

"But it doesn't mean to say we don't go down there next Saturday believing we can turn things round.