Flawless Paterson plays down his role in epic win

Published on Monday 10 March 2008 09:36

MODEST Chris Paterson today played down his match-winning Calcutta Cup efforts and gave credit to Scotland's forwards for a 15-9 Murrayfield triumph over England.

And, although Scotland will definitely be without winger Rory Lamont and probably also hooker Ross Ford for Saturday's RBS Six Nations trip to Italy due to jaw and ankle injuries respectively, Paterson feels the outlook remains bright so far as signing off with back-to-back wins is concerned.

"It helps that we have had a taste of playing a big pack which will stand us in good stead against another team who are hugely physical. It was great that our set-piece excelled and they were more in control towards the end of the match in keeping the ball," said Paterson, whose four penalties were added to one long range effort from sub Dan Parks.

Such prowess was hailed by prop forward colleague Allan Jacobsen as "awesome" but Paterson said: "It was a very mature performance by our forwards. We can now go to Rome with a little bit less pressure and hopefully score some tries.

"We don't have to worry about being whitewashed."

Paterson has now beaten England three times in his career – the same as his illustrious former scrum half uncle, Dunc. So does that mean family honours are now even?

"Dunc took three years to get his wins over England. For me it has taken nine years, the first of them coming in 2000 when I was a young lad.

"When you are more experienced you feel criticism harder in the sense you feel you should do more. From that aspect the win at this stage of my career was pleasing and especially the way we caused England to make mistakes."

Meanwhile, Paterson's Gloucester back row colleague Ally Strokosch maintained that the win confirmed Scotland were a work in progress – to be continued in the Eternal City. "This is not the ending, this is just another step on the ladder. We haven't played well in the first three games.

"We have to carry that forward and build from it," said Strokosch who highlighted areas Scotland will be particularly keen to develop, saying the downpours which restricted passing options could work in their favour.

"We have kept a lot of our powder dry and there is a lot more to come.

"We have dangerous strike runners out wide allowing for Rory Lamont's misfortune because there are good guys waiting to come in."

In calling for "more of the same" coupled with a need to retain focus and not be carried away, Strokosch believes the team can take their cue from super-sub Jason White. "We have to make sure we are switched on this week to play as physically as against England."

Here White merited special mention with Strokosch adding: "We stood up and knocked them back and back and back. That was key early on.

"When we really knew we were going to win was when big Jas came on and smashed Paul Sackey. They were just not going to get through."