Godman to Phil boots as Paterson eyes return

Published on Tuesday 13 January 2009 09:31

PHIL GODMAN is ready and willing to remain Edinburgh Rugby's front line goal-kicker - even if Chris Paterson returns from injury this weekend against Castres Olympique.

Time is running out for Paterson to prove his recovery from rib damage ahead of the start of the annual Six Nations Championship when Scotland entertain Wales on February 8 and the likelihood is the star full back could be back for the penultimate Heineken European Cup pool game.

However, during Paterson's five-match absence, Godman has seized his opportunity to impress with the boot in leading the Celtic League in terms of success rate.

And, while he insists Paterson remains No.1, Godman also admits: "I'm happy with the way I'm striking the ball."

That was particularly true in the blustery conditions which accompanied Edinburgh's 21-15 win over Ulster last time out and Godman added: "It is a job I feel I can do and I got a bit of confidence from it last year.

"I feel it could become a real strength in my game. If I'm asked to do a job then I would like to do it to the best of my abilities."

Undoubtedly having another string to his bow will enhance Godman's chances of sealing the stand-off spot but it is almost inconceivable Scotland would go in without Paterson either given his abilities, including as a kicker.

On Paterson's ability to rattle up the points, Godman also told the Edinburgh rugby website: "He is the best in the world."

Coach Andy Robinson has made it clear Edinburgh have plenty of room for improvement this weekend in a match where they will be looking to climb off the bottom of the group and improve prospects of a better seeding in future.

Godman, while pleased Edinburgh are back in the league top four, agrees that there is plenty still to come.

He said: "I thought in the first half, especially the first 20 minutes, we played some really good stuff and had good shape.

"But, towards the end of the first half and certainly in the second half, we went away from that and the game became turgid.

"At the set piece, line-out and scrum, we struggled and overall we struggled to get a grip on the game in the second half.

"It probably wasn't the best one for the supporters to watch. But the first 20 minutes was very pleasing and we should take quite a lot out of that.

"Over the next couple of weeks, we need to put more of that in the game."

Meanwhile, defending Six Nations champions Wales have been told not to look past Scotland when setting out on a quest for back-to-back grand slams.

The warning comes from coach Shaun Edwards, who says a successful start at Murrayfield could hold the key to his side's chances.

"We want to win things, but the first big thing for Wales is the game against Scotland," he said.

"It is potentially a massive banana skin, that first game up at Murrayfield.

"If we can nail that victory it will really put us in good stead for the rest of the competition. It is different for us, going into the competition with a favourites' tags, but if you cannot handle that you don't deserve to be recognised as a great team."

He added: "The players and the management are very determined to be remembered as one of the great Welsh teams over the last few decades."

"The players had a yearning to improve and we all have one goal. We are all working for one goal and that is to give Wales a team to be proud of.

"We have made certain strides and moved forward, but we are not happy about where we are. We are determined to improve."

The call to arms is echoed by attack coach Rob Howley. "The big game we are focused on is Scotland. A win would give us momentum.

"We learned so much through last season's campaign and we did the same through the autumn Test series.

"Scotland away at Murrayfield is going to be tough. They are a much-improved side – they can dominate you up front.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for us and that game will set the tone for the Six Nations this year.

"If we can snatch a win up there, who knows what will happen?" said ex-Lions scrum half Howley.