Emotional Vern Cotter given perfect send-off as Scotland beat Italy in Six Nations
The New Zealander presides over his final match as coach at Murrayfield after three years in charge in a 29-0 victory
Scotland gave departing coach Vern Cotter a successful send-off by beating Italy 29-0 in the final round of the Six Nations on Saturday.
The Azzurri were left with five straight losses for the third time in the past four years.
Finn Russell, Matt Scott, Tim Visser and Tommy Seymour – all members of the Scots’ improved back division – scored the tries in a bonus-point victory at Murrayfield that keeps them in contention for a second-place finish.
Cotter – a tough New Zealander who rarely shows public emotion – was in tears after the match as Scotland fans cheered for their coach, who didn’t have his contract renewed after three years in the role and is joining French team Montpellier for the start of next season.
“He’s a good man and has made a fantastic contribution to Scottish rugby,” Scotland captain John Barclay said. “He’s built a fantastic culture in the team.”
Under Cotter, the Scots have finally added some cutting edge to their backline, helping them win three matches for the first time in 11 years. Both losses were away, to France and last week to England, a 61-21 defeat that cost Scotland a shot at the title.
