Paterson loss a huge blow, admits Williams

Matt Williams has admitted the loss of fullback Chris Paterson would impact heavily on Scotland’s preparations to face Australia in back-to-back Test matches.

Matt Williams today admitted the loss of fullback Chris Paterson would impact heavily on Scotland’s preparations to face Australia in back-to-back Test matches over the next fortnight.

Paterson, who captained Scotland through the Six Nations, suffered a triple fracture of his right cheekbone during yesterday’s 38-3 victory over Samoa in Wellington. Scans later confirmed he would require surgery.

Although the captaincy was passed on to Scott Murray for this tour, Paterson won his 46th Test cap yesterday and lends the young side experience and leadership, a vital component that Williams has been trying to install into the squad since the World Cup.

“It’s a huge loss for the squad and a big disappointment,” said Williams after returning from Wellington to Sydney today.

“Chris is an integral part of the team, both on and off the pitch. We will certainly miss him in the next few games.

“But he is a hardy character and we hope to see him back as soon as possible.”

Paterson was given permission to make the uncomfortable three hour flight from Wellington because the swelling under his right eye remained too severe for surgery to be considered today.

He will see another specialist as soon as possible and undergo the necessary operation once the swelling has sufficiently subsided.

Paterson is the fifth player in a turbulent week for the Scots to be ruled out of the tour, following Kydd, Cameron Mather with a twisted ankle, Tom Philip with ruptured knee ligaments and prop Euan Murray, who failed to shake a thigh injury.

The loss of Paterson was the only black mark on an otherwise exemplary performance in Wellington as Scotland finally secured their first Test victory of the year and their first under Williams.