Exclusive: Emphasis on consistency

KILTED KIWI: Vern Cotter says he understands Kiwis more now he has lived in Scotland because of the similar mentality.PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Vern Cotter coached Bay of Plenty to the greatest day in the union's 104-year history and is now driving Scotland forward to next month's Rugby World Cup.

Cotter, 53, grew up on the family farm in Te Puke and, after a playing career highlighted by 10 years with Counties Manukau and stints in France, he made a successful switch to coaching. In 2004, he and assistant coach Joe Schmidt prepared the Steamers for the ultimate New Zealand provincial challenge, winning the Ranfurly Shield off Auckland at Eden Park.

Cotter moved on to co-coach the Crusaders and then to head coach at French club Clermont (2006-2014) and, since 2014, Scotland's national side, with his old mate Schmidt now firmly established as head coach of Ireland.

The two men met up again before the recent World Cup warm-up clash between their sides in Dublin, which Cotter says always ends up with reminiscing about those golden days for Bay of Plenty.

"We worked together (at Bay of Plenty) for three years and then at Clermont. Then, when he went to Leinster, we would always have a beer before the game and the old Bay of Plenty stories would come out every time we met," Cotter said.

"We did it before the game in Dublin with a couple of Guinnesses and a good laugh about the good old days. They are very fond memories and we reminisce often."

Earlier this month, Cotter signed an extension to his Scottish contract until the end of 2017, which he says is encouraging to spend more time with a talented group of players.

"I really want Scottish rugby to do well. It is a great challenge and good fun. There are a lot of really positive things happening over here. Academies are opening up, there is a new schools competition taking place, Glasgow have done well in the Pro12 and Edinburgh are working their way up. They are quite dynamic times.

"There are a generation of players coming through that make it exciting, like the two Gray brothers, Finn Russell who I think could be an outstanding No 10, fullback Stuart Hogg and some very good halfbacks. They can play a traditional Scottish game which is all about speed and rucking. The similarity between the Scottish mentality and, especially the South Island mentality, is strong. I always say I understand New Zealand people better now that I have been in Scotland."

Cotter is realistic about Scotland's chances at the Rugby World Cup, up against South Africa and Samoa in Pool B.

"We are really focused on trying to improve. We have spent the past two months working physically and technically on skill sets. We are very realistic and keeping a low profile, trying to work hard.

"We didn't have a very good Six Nations ... and we can be knocked around by injuries very quickly. We are looking at ways we can become consistent and perform week in, week out."

As to the future, Cotter is non-committal about one day stepping up to take charge of the All Blacks.

"Driving me forward is doing well for Scotland now and that really is my only priority. I have never been fixed with goals. I just want to do the best I can every day I am involved in the game," he said.

"I have always been driven by personal challenges. Bay of Plenty was my home province and it was really good to be involved, then the Crusaders thought I could help them, and then Clermont came along with another challenge to win the competition for the first time. Then Scotland asked me to give them a hand.

"No coach in their right mind would say they would not want to coach the All Blacks. But it is an intimidating job and, at the moment, I am focused on doing the best I can with Scotland."