Craig Chalmers, the former Scotland stand-off, last night claimed that Frank Hadden, the head coach, has lost the trust of his players.

On the day Hadden named his squad for the two-Test tour of Argentina next month, Chalmers hit out at the national coach by suggesting he had lost the dressing room more than 14 months ago in defeat to Italy.

The Scots suffered a humiliating defeat in February 2007 when they became the first Six Nations team to lose at home to the Italians, gifting 21 points in the opening six minutes of the 37-17 defeat. Hadden's attack-minded plan backfired spectacularly that day and Chalmers feels the former Edinburgh coach has never recovered.

Hadden clung on to his job despite a dismal RBS 6 Nations this year, but needs morale-boosting victories against the Pumas to stay in charge.

Chalmers, capped 60 times from 1989-99, said: "There has been a loss of trust between Frank and his players and I think it stems from the nightmare start against Italy last year when we conceded 21 points. We've never really recovered from that and have played a lot less rugby since then.

"Over the course of the Six Nations Championship I'd give Scotland three out of 10; there was no ambition and no end product. Frank's reign has run its course.

"We've become less ambitious as the years have gone by. Where is the purpose and creativity? Frank will have Andy Robinson and Sean Lineen on board on tour but it's fudging. Either Frank can do the job on his own or he can't."

Chalmers also feels sympathy for prolific goalkicker Chris Paterson, who has been shuffled between positions on countless occasions, especially during the last-gasp loss in Rome back in March.

The Melrose coach added: "If you pick someone as a first-choice then you must keep him there. The decision to move Chris Paterson to the wing from stand-off was a disgrace."