COTTER’S LAST HURRAH

Coach feels new bonus-point system suits Scotland attack

MoRE tries mean more points in this season’s Six Nations. With the attacking riches at his disposal, it’s no wonder head coach Vern Cotter fancies Scotland’s chances.

The new bonus-point system being introduced to the Championship has been warmly received by the Kiwi, who believes it plays into the hands of the likes of Stuart Hogg, Tommy Seymour and Finn Russell.

Four points will be awarded for a win, up from two, with an extra bonus point available for scoring four or more tries. A losing team could also pick up two bonus points, one if they score four or more tries and another if they lose by fewer than seven points.

As Cotter, who leaves in the summer to join French side Montpellier, announced his 37-man squad, he exuded a real air of confidence.

‘What we want to do in this Six Nations is really attack,’ said the 54-year-old, with Scotland meeting Ireland at Murrayfield in just over two weeks’ time in their opening match.

‘We have the players to give us the option to change the game if we need to score more tries to get an extra bonus point. Because of that, you may see different choices made by us on the pitch.

‘For example, there could be more quick-tap penalties, more kicks to the corners to set up a line-out and go for a try rather than take a penalty.

‘Are bonus points going to change the way teams play? They probably will and you’ll maybe see a few more risks in the games that we are involved in, but we won’t be alone in trying to play that way.

‘Games will open up a bit more during the Six Nations, which is a good thing. More open play will make matches even more exciting to watch.’

Cotter usually plays his cards close to his chest, but, perhaps enjoying the freedom of knowing this is his last hurrah as Scotland head coach, was happy to talk tactics yesterday.

In truth, Scotland’s strengths — and their star men — are no secret anyway.

The unexpected comes from the fleet-footed Hogg and mercurial Russell on the pitch, as they look to unleash the finishing power of Seymour.

Cotter, whose side ran in an impressive tally of ten tries in three autumn Tests, continued: ‘Tommy Seymour can make a big impact for us under the new scoring system, definitely.

‘Tommy is one of the best in the air and, if you want to get out of your half and you are defending a kick, he will catch it for you nine times out of ten and get you possession back.

‘Then, when you have territory, you can think about going up the other end and scoring points.

‘We also have Finn Russell at ten and I was pleased to see Stuart Hogg play ten for Glasgow against Treviso in the final game of last year. He could come in to play there if we are looking for a different way to attack.

‘Hoggy’s leadership has really grown at full-back and he links well with Finn Russell and Greig Laidlaw, Jonny Gray and whoever starts at hooker.

‘We have this line down the middle of the team that is growing in confidence, but shifting Hoggy from 15 to ten would not be so bad as he can make things happen from there.

‘Huw Jones plays in the centre, but can also play at full-back. He’s quick on his feet and we’ve seen what he offers in attack. He can take the game to the opposition.

‘If Stuart Hogg had to come to ten as a different attacking option, there is cover there at full-back from Huw.’

In terms of selection, there are no real surprises in Cotter’s squad. Centre Matt Scott has been in great form for Gloucester over the past month and was always likely to return.

So, too, was Duncan Taylor of Saracens, who had been injured.

There are two uncapped players included in Edinburgh prop Simon Berghan and team-mate Cornell Du Preez, the back-row forward.

‘Cornell is a more seasoned campaigner and can move the ball faster than most,’ said Cotter.

‘Magnus Bradbury, for instance, is a great talent, but has finished games better than he’s started them and we want the intensity from

him from the start. A few other back-row players, Adam Ashe, Jamie Ritchie, could come through later in the year.’

The core group Cotter has relied on during his two-and-a-half years in charge are all included, with scrum-half Laidlaw set to be named again as captain.

‘We need to build up momentum, which is why our opening match against Ireland is so important,’ said Cotter, who will be replaced by Gregor Townsend in the summer.

‘Win that one and we can build up a head of steam.’