Rugby: Paterson keen to get rid of his ton weight

The 32-year-old Edinburgh utility back returns to the squad against South Africa in Saturday's EMC Autumn Test at Murrayfield for the first time since becoming the first Scot to achieve the magical ton against Wales in February.

Injury ruined that big day - Paterson split a kidney in a potentially career threatening knock - and that is why this call up after being left out of the 22 for last weekend's match against New Zealand is all the more special to him.

"To reach 100 caps was one of my main aims for so long. When there was an opportunity that was all I wanted, and the biggest goal of my life," said Paterson.

"Having been lucky enough to achieve it I now want rid of it as quickly as I can. I'm delighted to be in the match-day 22 and my role is as a replacement, hopefully I will get on.

"If it isn't this week then I'll fight for as long as it takes."

In the course of compiling his century, Paterson has faced the Springboks eight times as well as touring South Africa as uncapped player in 1999.

That gives him a keen insight into the strengths and weaknesses that must be confronted. "South Africa are a really dangerous team full of match winners and game breakers.

"They have the most efficient line-out in the world, not just in terms of ability but also their understanding of it.

"Overall they are a quality side and in winning both games so far on this tour I think they have yet to play as they would like.

"In Wales last weekend they spent the last four minutes really having to dig in on their own line.

"Also, in Ireland a week previously they had to withstand a strong Irish fightback. That proves to me they are not only a match-winning team but one with a lot of desire.

"On top of that eight members of Saturday's squad were involved in the 2007 World Cup final win" (including man-of-the-match Victor Matfield).

While South Africa were overcoming Wales, Paterson found himself in the rare position of being on the outside looking in at a Scottish performance when available to play. However, he claims to share the collective responsibility that affected the entire extended training squad after Scotland crashed to a record home defeat against New Zealand.

"We all let ourselves down. Honest words were spoken when we got together on Monday and these were needed.

"Tuesday training was a bit topsy turvy.

"By Wednesday the cobwebs had been blown away and the guys are now very focused.

"Regardless of who was in the match-day squad we are all supporters and as such were hurting.

"I thought we trained well all week but the timing of the All Black tries with two coming close together followed by a third soon after made it difficult to play against any side, never mind the current world No.?1s.

"An opportunity beckons to put things right and, while I expect to be covering the back three positions, there might also be scope for assisting young Ruaridh Jackson who did a good job when he came on at stand off. The youthful enthusiasm of some of our young players is something I enjoy working alongside.

"Likewise, one of the saving graces for me last weekend was not only seeing my Edinburgh colleague Greig Laidlaw get his first cap at scrum half, but also the quality of the performance he put in after he came off the bench.

"Myself, Nathan Hines and Nikki Walker of Saturday's squad have beaten South Africa previously, albeit back in 2002.

"But it proves it can be done and memories are still vivid.

"It wasn't quite the first major victory of my international career because beating England at Murrayfield in 2000 was special as well. But that win over South Africa on a cold, wet day was important because of the way we controlled the game and got the crowd behind us.

"That is very much what we have to do on Saturday if another win is to be achieved and whether starting or coming off the bench initial involvement is crucial. Getting it right from the start means there is something that can be built on."