Vern Cotter wants a "ferocious" Scotland side

Scotland rugby coach-in-waiting Vern Cotter has spoken of the need to make the side “ferocious” once again.

As he prepares to leave Clermont Auvergne after eight years, latterly highly successful, and take over the reins next month the kiwi has told the International Rugby Board’s media channel that Scotland can be put back on track despite only beating Italy (twice) and Japan in the past year.

“When I came to Clermont who hadn’t been doing particularly well I had good players who didn’t have a professional attitude,” said Cotter. “It was a question of asking a bit more of them. putting in some real simple things, negotiables and non-negotiables, what I expected from them.

“I had to develop a culture because there wasn’t one.

“They were good players not really playing for any purpose.

“Going to Scotland … there is a World Cup to focus on.

“There are some good athletes (we) just need to put things in place so they can develop, get them playing above their ability. They have been a ferocious team in the past and I am looking forward to the challenge of international rugby.”

In a controversial move Scott Johnson will oversee Cotter as director of rugby but continue to be involved in coaching.

Cotter is unfazed, saying: “Scott’s got quality as has the defence, attack, scrum coach.

“It’s just a matter of combined energy. Scotland needs to be unified. There is potential.

“If everyone gives positive energy we could surprise people. That’s the key to it.”

Article source: http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/scotsman-rugby-show-scotland-v-south-africa-1-3189342

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Vern Cotter wants a "ferocious" Scotland side