Cotter unfazed by selection criticism

Editor

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter isn't fazed by the criticism from some quarters over his selections for the Rugby World Cup.

Eyebrows were raised over Cotter's decision to axe flanker Blair Cowan in favour of newcomers John Hardie, who has one cap for Scotland, and Josh Strauss.

Strauss is due to qualify to play for Scotland on September 19 when he will complete his three-year residency.

Cowan had been a regular for Scotland since his debut while John Barclay was another player to be controversially omitted.

Former Clermont boss Cotter however isn't concerned by the criticism directed his way over picking two newcomers to his squad with limited international experience.

"It's people's right to disagree," Cotter told the Guardian.

"Everybody has got an opinion. We are just focusing on what is best to move forwards.

"I don't expect everybody to agree but we've got ideas on how we would like to play and who are the best people to allow us to do that."