Paterson Scotland's 'Mr Reliable'
Coaches and teammates may have come and gone during a Test career spanning over a century of caps but Chris Paterson is now on the verge of becoming the first Scotland player to appear in four World Cups.
During an era where not that many of his fellow Scotland internationals have been accorded the description “world-class”, Paterson has established himself as one of the global game’s best goal-kickers.
There are those who decry the influence of kicked scores but for a Scotland side where a lack of tries has been a problem throughout his Test career, Paterson’s tally of 786 points from 105 appearances – both national records – has been invaluable.
And given the importance of his each and every attempt, it makes Paterson’s record of 36 consecutive goal-kicks from August 11, 2007 to June 7, 2008 all the more impressive.
Yet there is more to the Edinburgh player than just his prodigious ability with the boot. Paterson stands third on Scotland’s all-time list of try-scorers and has never been afraid to take a chance on a counter-attack.
Such has been his versatility, Paterson has appeared for Scotland on both wings and at outside-half, although the 33-year-old’s best position appears to be full-back.
He suffered a damaged kidney during the 2010 Six Nations clash against Wales and made his Test return in November as a replacement during Scotland’s stunning 21-17 win over world champions South Africa at Murrayfield.
It has seemed as if Scotland coach Andy Robinson was prepared to do without Paterson, who made his Test debut at the 1999 World Cup, but consistent performances for Edinburgh saw the full-back force his way back into the national side for the Six Nations match against Ireland in February.
Now it looks as if Paterson will travel to New Zealand as Scotland’s first choice No 15, while also providing fly-half cover for Dan Parks, whose goal-kicking skills have eased some of the pressure on the veteran, and the promising Ruaridh Jackson.
“Chris fought to get himself back in,” Robinson said. “He is a great competitor. That is why we love Chris Paterson.
“There have been barriers in his way since 1999 but he has been able to break down those barriers and fight his way back in. In areas we have asked him to improve, he has improved,” added the former England flanker.
That is why I feel Chris Paterson has done so well and been in the game for so long.”
Meanwhile Paterson, speaking after the squad announcement, said: “It was a huge goal of mine to make this World Cup. I’m delighted to do that, but the hard work starts again tomorrow when we get back to training and fight for that starting place.”
Scotland have made it through to the quarter-finals at the very least at each of the previous six World Cups but face a tricky task in repeating that achievement in a group featuring Argentina and arch-rivals England, as well as Georgia and opening opponents Romania.
The England match could determine whether Scotland make it through to the last eight but Paterson warned his team-mates not to lose sight of the challenges immediately in front of them.
“It will be a big game. The Scotland-England rivalry is second to none.
“It will be a strange scenario being played on foreign soil, but there are three games before that that are hugely important for Scotland.”
AFP
