Paterson stays grounded

Paterson: Keeping feet on the ground

We won, ultimately, from a missed kick at the end

Chris Paterson
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Scotland veteran fly-half Chris Paterson admitted his team's nail-biting 9-8 victory over Australia was too close for comfort for his liking.

Paterson, Scotland's most capped player, was match-winner once again for his team when his late drop-goal put them 9-3 ahead before Matt Giteau dramatically missed a conversion for the Wallabies with the last kick of the game.

The Murrayfield victory was Scotland's first over Australia in 27 years, but when asked if the triumph topped Paterson's other experiences playing for his country, the 31-year-old was torn.

"I don't know, to be honest," said Paterson. "I think maybe what's holding me back saying yes is the fact we won, ultimately, from a missed kick at the end.

"I know you take the 80 minutes into the equation but it could have been so different, couldn't it?

"But the determination and the guts to get into that position and the defence that we've shown was massively pleasing."

Historic

Despite reservations, Paterson acknowledged the win as "historic" and admitted it bodes well for the future given the result was achieved with poor attacking form.

"Our performance can be far better, can't it?" he said, insisting coach Andy Robinson would not allow the match to be a one-off win.

"The players will keep their feet on the ground but Robbo will certainly do that as well.

"And we'll probably work harder next week than we have done the previous two."

Paterson is nearing the milestone of becoming the first Scot to win 100 caps, but admits he would prefer not to set the record coming off the bench.

"You want to start, don't you? Of course you do," said Paterson, who was also a replacement in Robinson's first game in charge against Fiji.

"But I've been lucky enough I've started 88 times. I'm not starting at the moment and my drive is to contribute to the team and make and impact when I come on, and hopefully I'm doing that."

Phil Godman, who kicked two critical penalties against the Wallabies, is partly responsible for keeping team-mate Paterson out of the starting line-up.

Godman's presence could see Paterson on the bench again for Scotland's final autumn international against Argentina, but the veteran insists he is happy to be involved in any capacity.

"He's striking the ball really, really well," added Paterson. "I'll be delighted to get on the field next week, whether it be a start or coming off the bench."