Recalled Scott praised for desire

There are three notable recalls in Vern Cotter’s final RBS 6 Nations squad for Matt Scott, Duncan Weir and Jon Welsh.

Scott’s return came on the back of some storming attacking performances for Gloucester – but it wasn’t attack that kept the former Edinburgh centre out.

“We had concerns about it his decision-making in defence, either staying within system or as an individual,” said Cotter.

“He has worked on that and does not isolate himself so much. Those sorts of errors can cost us at this level very quickly.

“It says something of the man that he’s been able to take these things on and he’s got better at it. He’s been humble and hard-working and he’s shown the desire (to get back).”

Weir is back in as cover for Finn Russell with Peter Horne out injured but the coach was happy to see Stuart Hogg get a run for Glasgow at 10 recently.

“That was Gregor’s initiative. We had spoken with Hoggy beforehand, we looked at him there in the autumn and in bits and pieces and perhaps he had mentioned that to Gregor,” Cotter said.

“It’s something he can do because his leadership has really grown as full-back and he links well with Finn and Greig (Laidlaw) and Jonny (Gray), also with Ross Ford or Fraser Brown. We have this spine down the middle of the team that is growing in confidence.”

Weir and Welsh were other examples of players who had done what had been asked of them when left out on previous occasions, while du Preez’s return to form in recent games had got him the edge over young clubmate Magnus Bradbury.

“Cornell is a more seasoned campaigner. Things tend to stop around him or go more quickly around him and we like that,” Cotter said.

“Magnus is a great talent and he’ll come along later in the year.”