“We are bitterly disappointed with the result and performance against Ireland, especially as we got back into the lead after a disastrous start.
“We made too many silly errors behind the scrum which you can’t afford to do at international level.
“The forwards got us back into the game with the penalty try after exerting pressure on the Irish scrum, but when you make that many basic mistakes, you can’t complain.
“Ireland are a quality side and the number of errors they made was minimal, whereas we were forced to defend for almost all of the second half and as a result, we capitulated, as most sides would do.
“Our backs let the forwards down today, and we have to take responsibility for that, it cost us the game.”
Wales play their final Pool B game against France in Auckland on Tuesday. The result will determine who Wales will play in their last two games for their final tournament position.
“We have a chance to get back on track with the France game in four days’ time,” added Hayward.
“We have to put this loss behind us and look forward now.
“We have three games left in this competition, whatever happens, and we have to focus on performing as well as we possibly can in all our remaining matches in order to finish as high as possible in the final table.
“Players have a few bumps and bruises after two matches in five days but we now need to come together and keep our heads held high.
“France won the Six Nations Grand Slam, but they only beat us by a score in the end, so we certainly know what we need to do. However, we need to be clinical in defence and attack if we are to come away with a result.”
