SCOTLAND stand-off Finn Russell insists head coach Vern Cotter will not be swayed from his methods – even an RBS Six Nations whitewash.

The Dark Blues strutted into the championships after an encouraging autumn campaign expecting much – but stumbled to five straight defeats.

It was a bitter blow following the steep rise in anticipation produced by Cotter heading across the Channel.

But the top 14 winner was forced to admit Saturday’s 40-10 loss to title-chasing Ireland had exposed his side’s flaws with “brutal clarity”.

However, the 53-year-old is adamant Scotland can make the kind of improvements that will make them a force at this year’s World Cup in England.

No doubt the post-mortem over the next few days will see pundits dissect Scottish displays and offer the Kiwi advice on how he can salvage his side’s hopes going into the tournament – but playmaker Russell insists Cotter will stick to his own vision.

The Glasgow number 10 said: “I don’t think we need (a Plan B). Our attack is working really well. We’ve scored tries in every game.

“The attack has been really good at times. It’s just been that last pass that hasn’t gone to hands.

“As individuals, if we tighten this up back at our clubs over the next few months going into the World Cup, then the team will come back better.

“If we can do that, the passes that are not finding their man or the turnovers that cost us won’t happen and will lead to tries.

“So I wouldn’t imagine (there would be any knee-jerk reaction to this campaign). A lot of the stuff we have played over the last few weeks has been good rugby. It’s just been small mistakes that at this level cost you.”