SCOTLAND SEE COTTER OFF IN STYLE

Yes, Italy are poor, yes, Italy butchered at least two tries, yes, Scotland were at home, BUT, considering this game has been a potential banana skin for them over the last few years, winning 4 tries to nil was a GOOD result.

Scotland's home form this year has been impressive, beating Ireland, Wales and Italy, scoring 9 tries in the process, demonstrating the strides they have made under Vern Cotter. Even in Paris, despite the physical battering they took against France, they still got themselves in a winning position with Swinson's try - if only Russell had converted it, putting them 5 points in front, France might have gone for the big score rater than the penalties which won them the game. England was a bad day. Still they scored 14 tries in total, level with Ireland and only 2 behind England, who scored 7 of those in one game.

Au revoir Vern...bonne chance

They also have more strength in depth than in previous seasons, as, having lost Strauss, Laidlaw, Maitland and Hardie in Paris, replacements like Barclay, Price, Visser and Wilson really stepped up and help the team beat Wales. A sign of how the times has changed is sensible rugby people nominating Seymour, Russell, Watson and Jonny Gray for the Lions squad alongside the immortal Hogg. If Strauss, Laidlaw and Nel weren't injured there may have been more names in the hat.

So Vern is off to Montpelier (in tears), having moved Scotland from 8th to 5th in the world rankings (their highest ever) and improved their basic skills, game management and mental toughness. It is now down to Gregor Townsend to fulfil this side's potential, and take Scotland to the next level by beating a Top 6 side away (France in Paris would be nice), and making a World Cup semi-final.