Paterson targets World Cup berth

Paterson’s efforts have been praised by head coach Andy Robinson

Chris Paterson is determined to travel to New Zealand for the World Cup after reclaiming his Scotland starting place.

“A big hope and a big goal for me is to be involved in the World Cup come September,” said Scotland’s most capped player, who will be 33 next week.

“I need to work hard in training, finish the season well with Edinburgh and, when pre-season comes along, it will be competitive.

“You have to commit yourself fully and be prepared for a hard battle there.”

Paterson reclaimed the full-back jersey after Hugo Southwell was injured in the Six Nations loss to Wales and started in defeats by Ireland and England and the win over Italy.

It was important for us to win, to get a reward for the hard work and reward the coaches and the fans Scotland full-back Chris Paterson

Scotland’s record points-scorer now has 104 Test appearances under his belt and is looking to add to that tally in New Zealand, in what would be his fourth World Cup.

“I had nothing to prove,” he said of his return to head coach Andy Robinson’s starting XV.

“I wanted to get back in and just confirm I still had something to offer and an impact to make.

“If I’ve done that then great. I’ll continue to work hard on my game.

“I’m enjoying my involvement at the moment, I’m enjoying being around and, as long as I can commit myself entirely to it, I’ll go for it.

“I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”

Paterson made his debut in the 1999 World Cup against Spain and became the first Scot to reach a century of caps when he played in the 2010 Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.

However, that momentous occasion was marred by a serious kidney injury and he had to wait until November’s win over world champions South Africa to make his 101st appearance.

Paterson took his Six Nations’ points tally beyond 400 points

Despite Scotland winning only one of their Six Nations matches, Paterson’s displays have been praised by Robinson.

The Edinburgh player demonstrated his value to the cause with two try-saving tackles in successive games.

First, he halted England’s Ben Foden with Scotland chasing victory at Twickenham and then he hauled down Luke McLean as Italy aimed to stage a late rally at Murrayfield.

“It’s strange to have a similar circumstance twice in six days, but that’s what I’m there to do, to make those tackles,” said Paterson.

“I won’t make them all because they’re so last-ditch and it’s such a stretch.

“There will be times when I don’t make it, but I’m pleased with the last couple.”

Reflecting on a disappointing campaign for Scotland, Paterson added: “There had been good performances, but there had also been poor performances.

“The results don’t lie, zero from four going into the game against a team who got a good win against France.

“It was important for us to win, to get a reward for the hard work and reward the coaches and the fans.

“We’ve yet to put an 80-minute performance together and that’s the goal.

“There’s a lot of good things. There’s definitely stuff we need to work on.

“We’re always looking to improve. The game will probably evolve between now and the next time international teams play – Super Rugby or the Tri-Nations will set a new benchmark.

“But, at the moment, we’re trying hard to play a competitive game.”