Paterson to earn 100th cap against Wales

Chris Paterson today revealed he was targeting far more than 100 caps as he prepared to make yet another bit of history in a Scotland jersey.

Already his country’s record points scorer and appearance maker, Paterson will become the first Scot to play in a century of Test matches in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations game in Wales.

The ever-modest 31-year-old is eager for the occasion not to become the Chris Paterson show and winced upon learning a post-match function in Cardiff had been arranged in his honour.

“In many ways, it is just another cap, it’s another number,” the full-back told Press Association Sport.

“I’m hugely proud of achieving it and getting on the field is certainly something I’m looking forward to.”

Paterson added: “Since I got into the 90s, I thought, ’There’s a chance here’. But right up until this morning, I thought I’d be pretty lucky to get it.

“I just want to get out, get on with it and hopefully not only get 100 but 101 and keep going up the numbers.”

Asked whether George Gregan’s world record 139 was under threat, Paterson said: “I do like to look forward, but not too far.

“Certainly, this weekend the focus is on Wales and applying myself as best I can to hopefully help the team get that victory.”

With Scotland having lost their tournament opener against France on Sunday, Paterson was philosophical about the prospect of marking the occasion with another defeat.

“That’s professional sport; that’s professional rugby,” he said.

In recent seasons, it looked as if Paterson would reach three figures coming off the bench but he kept his place in Andy Robinson’s starting line-up today as the head coach made just three changes from Sunday’s 18-9 loss.

Phil Godman paid the price for a poor performance at Murrayfield as Dan Parks was recalled at fly-half after more than a year in the international wilderness.

Prop star Euan Murray and back-three man Rory Lamont also returned to the starting XV.

Lamont was named on the left wing, with brother Sean surprisingly moved to outside centre in place of Max Evans.

Paterson said: “There are two or three changes in the side but we still all go to Cardiff with the mentality that we want to play, and we certainly want to win.”

With Robinson wanting his side to play a more territorial game, Paterson knows his form with the boot will be as important as ever.

Universally popular and adored by Scotland fans in particular, the Edinburgh star was keen to play down his status as his country’s talisman.

“I’m just fairly simple,” he said.

“It’s nice to know, I suppose, you’re appreciated.

“I just want to continue improving, continue to get better and keep working hard.”

Paterson singled out the likes of Gregor Townsend, Glenn Metcalfe, Bryan Redpath and Gary Armstrong as major influences on a Test career that began at the 1999 World Cup.

Citing the next tournament in Australia four years later as a particular highlight, he added: “Looking back for me is when I stop playing.

“Hopefully, whenever that may be, I can stop and think, ’I’m proud of what I’ve achieved’, and think about the highs and lows then.”

Having arrived on the scene mere months after Scotland won the last ever Five Nations Championship, Paterson could be forgiven for ruing his lot by playing in arguably the worst decade in Scottish rugby history.

But he said: “You could look at it like that or you could say there’s still a Grand Slam or championship side in us.

“That’s the way I like to think and I don’t think you’re ever unlucky if you represent your country a few times.

“Hopefully, we can answer that question in the near future with some championships and some historic wins.”