Wallabies savaged after losing to Scotland

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's 9-8 loss to Scotland in Edinburgh at the weekend has been labelled the Wallabies' worst performance in decades, with former players and media lining up to criticise the team.

The head of the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has promised a full review of the team's dismal results this season including Saturday's first loss to the Scots in 27 years.

But the critics are already demanding that heads roll, savaging the team's display and calling for player salary cuts.

"The Wallabies are not just the laughing stock of Australian sport. They are also the laughing stock of the international rugby world after suffering their worst loss in decades," the Sydney Morning Herald wrote.

"This defeat was not as bad as being beaten by Tonga in 1973 but it's not far off."

The Australian newspaper wrote that the team's poor performances were threatening the very support of the game in a country where four football codes are all fighting for fans and sponsorship.

"This Wallabies side will be the death of Australian rugby followers, if not the death of Australian rugby," The Australian wrote.

"They are becoming the anti-All Blacks of world rugby, the Wallabies. Where the New Zealanders nearly always find a way to win, the Australians nearly always find a way to lose. Hats off to them. That's a rare and perverse skill."

ARU Chief Executive John O'Neill told reporters he was "devastated" by the loss to Scotland and promised a full review of the team's performances.