Hope was springing eternal, the whole of Wales was willing and praying for this to be the day that the Welsh victory drought finally found rugby precipitation.

But Wales left Murrayfield parched and the thirst for a win continues for at least another week.

The signs were good, an unchanged starting fifteen for the first time in sixty six matches, and an uplifting inspiring performance in the previous game against Ireland to put wind in their sails.

Wales displayed the good, the bad and the ugly in this Jekyll and Hyde performance, sadly the bad and the ugly massively outweighed the twenty minutes of good.

The first half bordered on the grotesque for the men in red as Scotland achieved a four try bonus point after only thirty three minutes.

All the power and precision evident in Cardiff was nowhere to be seen as the home side cut through at will. Scotland’s 28-8 half time lead was extended to 35-8 eight minutes into the second period, but that was the last time Scotland troubled the scoreboard.

Finn Russell’s departure signalled a Welsh revival and with the match seemingly won the Scots disintegrated.

Three tries in the last quarter earned Wales a try scoring and a losing point, those two points might even allow Wales to avoid a wooden spoon depending on next week’s results.

Had Taulupe Faletau’s try not been disallowed Wales might well have achieved one of the great rugby comebacks, but they need more than ifs and buts as their losing run extends to sixteen matches.

Next week it’s England under the roof, and if the rugby gods have read the script the Welsh capital will turn into an oasis as the long drought finally comes to an end, it’s time to offer up a prayer or two.