McCormack seeking Scottish improvement

Scotland coach Steve McCormack believes that Scotland will need to improve if they are serious about winning the European Championship.

The Scots beat Wales 42-18 at Workington on Friday evening. Their next match is a trip to Dublin to face a buoyant Ireland, who beat France on Saturday.

“We have obviously got a lot of improving to do,” said McCormack.

“We got the cobwebs off in the first half but all credit to Wales, as they had a young side out, too.

“We felt, if we could just bide our time and be nice and patient, we would get some points and that was the case.  In the second half we played the way we wanted to play and played the conditions much better.”

Huddersfield halfback Danny Brough was very much to the fore for Scotland, bagging a hat-trick of tries, and kicking five conversions.

But Workington’s own Callum Phillips also came off the bench to play a role in the pivot positions.

“Broughie was first class again and has been all week,” added McCormack.

“He’s a top player. There’s no difference between him and young Callum Phillips, who won his first cap though.

“They’ve all got the same values and no one treats them any different. Broughie’s a top player but attitude-wise, he’s spot on too.

“Callum’s been waiting for his opportunity and took it with both hands, he was brilliant when he came on.  For both brothers (Brett and Callum Phillips) to score in front of their home crowd is brilliant for them.”

Halifax winger Louis Senter, a former Easterhouse Panthers player, was one of several Scottish debutants. His presence is testament to the development work being done North of the Border.

“Louis Senter is the only player to represent Scotland at every single age and level, so it’s a fantastic moment for him,” said McCormack of Senter, who has played for his country at Under-16s, 18s, Student, A team, and now senior level.

“We’ve now got a player who has come through all the pathway playing alongside someone of Danny Brough’s stature, and that is testament to everyone up there [in Scotland].”