Job done as coach signs off on wave of Murrayfield emotion

“The World Cup in 2019 with a real desire”

An emotional Vern Cotter fought back tears as he ended his reign as Scotland head coach in style with an emphatic victory against Italy. New Zealander Cotter received a huge ovation from the Murrayfield crowd as he took to the pitch after Saturday’s game. “I’d like to thank the players and everyone for the last three years, it’s been fantastic,” the head coach said in a quivering voice before embracing his players and staff. Cotter, as has been his stance since his departure was confirmed last August, refused to dwell too much on the role he has played in Scotland’s resurgence. But he did confess to feeling a hint of satisfaction after his players bounced back from their Twickenham humiliation to beat Conor O’Shea’s side. “I’m very pleased, coming from a game at Twickenham that didn’t fall our way, to keep a team try-less,” Cotter said. “The three wins is great. It’s a reflection of the work these guys put in. Those records are nice. “It was nice to be able to finish at home with the bonus point. It wasn’t always perfect but we got there in the end. Job done. “These guys are gaining experience together. We always said last week would help us and those tough days have, in a lot of ways. “We’ll be looking at the World Cup in 2019 with a real desire to do well. “I am not going to talk about legacies. I was a supporter before I came here and I’ll be a supporter now that we are moving on. “But I have great coaches around me, good people. We have got better and now these guys, we’ll look forward to seeing them put the jersey on and get out there and play again. “Greig Laidlaw pulled me along on to the pitch at the end. My daughter was there as well. “She found a way, got past the security guards. “It was really nice, it was something that will stay with me.”