Jason White is convinced Frank Hadden is the right man to guide Scotland out of their slump - and intends to spearhead the revival on the pitch himself.

Hadden's position is under growing scrutiny following a disappointing RBS 6 Nations that ended with another battle to escape the wooden spoon.

Scotland avoided an ignominious last-place finish on points difference alone, tainting their prized victory over England by concluding the championship with a 23-20 defeat in Italy.

Picking through the ruins of the Scots' demise in the World Cup quarter-finals last autumn, Hadden had predicated his side would this year challenge for the Six Nations title.

Six months later, the head coach is being forced to defend his position amid growing calls for his removal.

But White, the leading rugby ambassador for sports nutrition brand EAS - his supplier of choice, claims the players remain in full support of the 53-year-old.

"We're all behind Frank. He's 100% committed Scotland, a genuine guy who tries to do what's best for his country," said the 29-year-old.

"We were all - players and coaches - disappointed with the way the Six Nations went.

"Everyone involved with the national team wants us to improve and perform better.

"Frank is the right man to oversee that push for improvement. He's one of the best coaches I've ever worked with.

"He may determine the game plan but it's the players on the pitch who have to execute it.

"But when things aren't going so well, as in any sport, it's the boss who has people questioning whether he's the right guy.

"As a senior player, I'm supporting Frank totally."

After the despair of the Matt Williams years - when Scotland lost all but three of their 17 matches under the Australian - Hadden provided an immediate lift.

The former Edinburgh coach instilled confidence into players who lacked belief and devised a game plan - based on defence - tailored to the players he had at his disposal.

A narrow defeat to Argentina at the World Cup hinted that Scotland were heading in the right direction, only for a poor Six Nations to then dampen spirits.

Much of the criticism levelled at Hadden has centred on his no-thrills tactics, leading to claims his negative approach is stifling the team.

White hints at a sense of frustration among the players but is conscious of the balancing act that Hadden is attempting to achieve.

"To an extent, criticism of the way we play is valid, but the coach needs to play the game plan that he thinks will win," White said.

"Frank has done that, using the tactics that he thought are right for us.

"It didn't work for us, so maybe we would have been better off throwing the ball around and still losing by 21 points to France.

"I understand we're in an entertainment business so there's a onus on us to get the crowd involved.

"It's something the players are conscious of. But ultimately we want to win and whatever way you manage that, it's fine."

White endured a frustrating Six Nations, starting as skipper only to suffer concussion against Wales and miss the Ireland match.

The Sale back row then watched his replacement Alasdair Strokosch mark his full Test debut with the first of three fine displays that restricted White's own involvement against England and Italy to bench duty.

Strokosch, 25, has thrived since his summer move from Edinburgh to Gloucester and will be hard to displace in the number six jersey, but White is relishing the duel.

"I always knew Alasdair was going to be a good player and going to Gloucester has pushed him on a little bit," he said.

"Like me, he's strong, physical and likes to get involved. He's also athletic.

"But he's just broken into the team, so I've got more experience and more leadership skills.

"If I'm playing well and regularly and my conditioning is good then I'd back myself for that number six jersey."Frank sees me as a blindside flanker, which makes it straight head-to-head fight between myself and Alasdair for the jersey.

"We've always had competition in the back row as we're strong in that area, so there have been times in my career when I've been on the bench.

"It's a continual fight and I know what it takes to win."

* More details on EAS sports supplements can be found on www.eas-uk.com.

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