Brewer joined the Scotland set-up as forwards coach last autumn and impressed with his work with a pack regarded as the finest the country had boasted for two decades.

But with the SRU seeking a new head coach following the departure of Frank Hadden after a disappointing RBS 6 Nations, Brewer decided to throw his hat into the ring by applying for the job ahead of the April 20 deadline.

Having seen Ireland at close quarter during their victorious RBS 6 Nations campaign, former New Zealand forward Brewer insists Scotland are not that far away from enjoying similar success.

He said: "One of the key components to Ireland's success is that when things get a bit lateral, they know where to put the ball, to keep the opposition under pressure and to maintain that initiative.

"That's one of the key things that comes from years of experience at this level. We are only two to three years away from reaching their level."