Rugby: Paterson has sympathy for fall-guy Giteau

Published on Monday 23 November 2009 08:39

CHRIS PATERSON insists Scotland will up the ante in a bid to complete an Autumn rugby treble against Argentina this weekend – but not without first showing empathy with the fellow goal-kicker whose miss contributed to a record-breaking victory.

Scotland edged home 9-8 against Australia at Murrayfield to ensure the joint longest losing run in an international series – 16 matches – ended the moment Matt Giteau sent a last-gasp conversion wide.

Paterson went on to explain: "We won ultimately from a mistake at the end and I know you take the 80 minutes into the equation but it could have been so different in one strike of the ball." In making clear there would be no complacency allowed to creep in Scotland's most capped player said: "That probably puts a wee bit of reality into things.

"Players will keep feet their on the ground and probably work harder this week than in the previous two. That is something I have picked up from experience – it is working."

Paterson recalled the decisive moment, saying: "What we said at the end was 'let's charge down the conversion' and I probably led the way because we want to win always. But there has to be an element of sympathy for Giteau, who is a brilliant player.

"I once read a quote from (basketball legend) Michael Jordan who just missed making a winning basket from the final play of a game. He said that is what makes him better and Giteau is like that.

"It happens. I have been there, of course I have. But I did think he would get it. The type of player Giteau is I thought he would get it.

"I turned at the last minute (to see the kick go wide) but I didn't jump for joy.

"It was courteous not to. People talk about Giteau missing a couple but those of us on the bench did not realise how windy it was until we went to warm up.

In fact, Giteau was overshadowed by Scots kicker Phil Godman, to whom Paterson paid tribute, saying: "Phil has been outstanding and not just this year. He kicks long-range goals at Edinburgh and the ones he kicked against Australia were great strikes and not easy."

Re-emphasising the need for cautious optimism before the Argentina clash, Paterson said: "Again, we are playing a top-five nation. What happens when you win is people keep an eye out for you. This will be a week where experience guys can help deal with different pressures."