HARD HITTING VIEW

Another World Cup was no less than Cotter deserved

VERN COTTER will be wondering how to fill his time before he and his family head to the south of France where he’ll take up the role of coach at Montpellier.

Meanwhile, the overwhelming feeling across Scotland and beyond is – why on earth have the SRU let him go?

The ovation the quietly-spoken New Zealander received at the end of Scotland’s match against Italy provoked an uncharacteristically emotional response.

He was seen wiping away a tear or two as the genuine affection from the Scottish rugby crowd touched him.

It really is very sad to see this man, who has transformed the Scottish side in a very short space of time, leave his job partially done.

Another World Cup campaign is no less than Cotter, and Scottish rugby, deserved.

His turnaround in the fortunes of the Scottish team have been dramatic.

There have been few new players introduced to the group and even when injuries have hindered selection, youngsters have stepped up and embraced Cotter’s vision of how Scotland should be playing rugby.

The Kiwi has reconnected these players with the DNA of Scottish rugby and in doing this, their fortunes have transformed.

In many respects, Cotter’s success has made Gregor Townsend’s job even more challenging.

Had the SRU had the courage of their convictions and backed the Kiwi until after the World Cup in Japan, Townsend could have had a further three years developing his coaching approach.

A spell in the Premiership or Top 14 in France would not have been out of the question for Townsend and what a learning experience that would have been for him – particularly given how “young” his coaching career is.

Instead, Townsend will inherit a team in the ascendancy and fans who now have very high expectations.

If this progression halts or falters, then questions will be asked and the SRU will have to hold themselves accountable for this decision.

Clearly, they would not have appointed Townsend if they did not believe he could do the job – and he has done an excellent job at Glasgow, developing a style and approach that has regularly sold out Scotstoun.

Everyone wants the borderer to succeed. Yet I can’t help but feel that he would be better served by taking on this role later rather than sooner.

So Vern Cotter’s legacy will be remembered by all. Scotland are winning games and doing so by playing some excellent rugby.

The players are confident and are scoring tries. There should be a strong representation of Scots heading to New Zealand with the Lions.

Vern Cotter could not have done more – he deserves our gratitude.