Scotland team to play Ireland: Chris Paterson recalled to starting XV

Published on Tuesday 10 March 2009 12:19

CHRIS Paterson was today recalled to the Scotland side for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland – but head coach Frank Hadden delayed finalising his selection at second row.

Paterson, Scotland's record points scorer and most capped player, was controversially left out of the starting line-up for the opening three games of the championship.

Scotland on Sunday rugby writer Iain Morrison will be online at 1pm today to discuss the Scotland team selection - click here to join in

He comes in for Edinburgh team-mate Hugo Southwell at full-back, one of two definite changes from the team which beat Italy just over a week ago.

The other sees Alasdair Dickinson replace fellow prop Allan Jacobsen, who underwent shoulder surgery last week and will be out for up to four months.

Dickinson started at tighthead in France but will play on the opposite side of the scrum this weekend.

There could also be changes in the second row, with Hadden naming four players as possible selections for the two spots.

Jason White and Alastair Kellock – who both started against Italy – could be replaced by one or both of the fit-again Jim Hamilton and Nathan Hines.

Hamilton has shaken off the shoulder injury he sustained against France last month.

Hines has yet to feature in the tournament due to a serious knee injury but he has made a quicker than expected recovery.

Hadden said: "It will be a close call in the second row but, clearly, we'll go with the players we believe give us the best chance of creating the sort of platform that we'll need to win against a fine Irish team.

"I've been impressed with Chris Paterson's attitude in this championship. As ever, he's been the model professional, getting on with his job, and he deserves the opportunity to start on this occasion."

Hadden has also delayed finalising his substitutes for the game, with back-three star Rory Lamont making a surprise recovery from the ankle ligament damage he suffered in December.

The one definite change from the 22 for the Italy game sees Glasgow prop Moray Low provide back-up to Dickinson and Euan Murray.

Southwell drops to the bench, with Lamont, flanker Kelly Brown, centre Nick De Luca and one of Hadden's pool of locks looking set to compete for the final two spots.

"Once we have finalised the lock selections, we will complete our bench selection," Hadden said.

"Here, we are also monitoring the welcome return to fitness of Rory Lamont."

Chris Paterson; Simon Danielli, Max Evans, Graeme Morrison, Thom Evans; Phil Godman, Mike Blair (captain); Simon Taylor, John Barclay, Alasdair Strokosch, Jason White (or Jim Hamilton), Alastair Kellock (or Nathan Hines), Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson.

Dougie Hall, Moray Low, TBC, Scott Gray, Chris Cusiter, TBC, Hugo Southwell.