Stern Vern set for big send off by Scots squad
VERN COTTER’S path as Scotland head coach has not always been smooth but the Kiwi will hope he can bow out this summer having steered the Dark Blues down the road to lasting success.
The 54-year-old is gearing up for his final RBS 6 Nations campaign after Scottish Rugby decided to replace him with Glasgow boss Gregor Townsend when his contract expires.
He feels that was harsh. From suffering a whitewash during his first Six Nations campaign in charge, the Scots have grown into an exciting side packed with attacking intent and backed up by an ever-deepening pool of talent.
Their run to the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup -–where only a controversial defeat to Australia halted their progress – has been the clear highlight of the Cotter reign so far.
Yet he will also have to admit that just two wins from 10 games in the Six Nations has hardly persuaded Murrayfield chiefs he is irreplaceable.
Cotter now has five matches left to write his final Scotland chapter and shape his legacy.
But don’t expect a man whose quiet reserve earned him the nickname “Stern Vern” to volunteer his own eulogy.
Instead, it will be left to his players to describe the impact he has made.
And for the likes of Stuart Hogg, it will be glowingly positive no matter what happens.
He said: “Vern has worked wonders for Scotland and this campaign is very much about us looking to send him off with some victories.”
A title tilt still looks to be beyond the Scots but claiming three victories for the first time since 2006 seems reasonable.
Three home games should boost their chances, especially as they take on Ireland first in Edinburgh on February 4.
The Scots will be buoyed by the inclusion of 16 Glasgow players who made history last weekend reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup for the first time.
“Confidence in the camp is at an all-time high,” Hogg said.