Six Nations 2014: Martyn Williams calls for calm after Wales loss

Former Wales flanker Martyn Williams says his country's 29-18 defeat by England on Sunday should be put into perspective.

The result ended Welsh hopes of a third successive Six Nations title.

Some of the team were criticised for their performance but Williams says other members of the set-up will also be reflecting on what went wrong.

"As coaches they'll probably take a good look at themselves after this campaign," he said.

"What is frustrating people in Wales is we only play one way.

"We've got a plan A and when that doesn't work we do struggle to adapt on the pitch."

British and Irish Lion Williams won 100 caps for Wales between 1996 and 2012, winning two Grand Slams in 2005 and 2008.

Head coach Warren Gatland persuaded Williams to come out of international retirement when he took the job in 2008.

The New Zealander has been heavily criticised for Wales' tactics during the Twickenham loss but Williams pleaded for calm amidst the fallout of the disappointing defeat.

"We're nothing but emotional in Wales when it comes to our rugby," said Williams.

"He's [Gatland] brought us as much success as any Welsh coach has.

"When you look at it, if you sit back in the cold light of day we've lost three Six Nations games in three years which isn't a bad record."

Wales have lost both their away games in the 2014 tournament but can complete a 100 per cent home record with a win against Scotland on Saturday.

The majority of the Welsh team that played against England on Sunday featured on the victorious Lions tour to Australia in the summer and Williams believes that has had some impact on Wales' performances in this year's tournament.

"It's been inconsistent. [It] started off ok against Italy then a disastrous weekend in Dublin," Williams said.

"[It] built everyone's hopes back up against France in Cardiff with a superb performance but feet firmly back on the ground after yesterday [Sunday].

"It's been a long 18 months for the Welsh players. A lot of them look tired after the Lions and they were found wanting yesterday."