sport

Scotland take just one step

Chris Paterson lands the crucial drop goal

Chris Paterson has been playing for Scotland for far too long to get carried away with their incredible victory over Australia.

But the country's most capped player and record points-scorer nevertheless believes he could finally be part of a squad capable of challenging the world's best on a regular basis.

Paterson once again emerged as Scotland's matchwinner last night when his late drop goal put them 9-3 ahead before Matt Giteau missed a conversion with the last kick of the game in one of the most dramatic Tests Murrayfield has ever seen.

The 9-8 victory was a first against the Wallabies for 27 years, sparking the kind of jubilation usually reserved for Calcutta Cup triumphs.

Paterson, who came off the bench to earn his 97th cap, has two of those under his belt as well as a famous win over South Africa during his decade on the Test scene.

Asked whether the result against Australia topped the lot, the 31-year-old said: "I don't know, to be honest.

"I think maybe what's holding me back saying yes is the fact we won, ultimately, from a missed kick at the end.

"I know you take the 80 minutes into the equation but it could have been so different, couldn't it?

"One strike of the ball.

"That almost puts a wee bit of reality on it.

"But the determination and the guts to get into that position and the defence that we've shown was massively pleasing."

Acknowledging the result as "historic", Paterson believes the fact it was achieved with what was a poor attacking display augurs well for the future.

"Our performance can be far better, can't it?" he said, insisting Andy Robinson would not tolerate the match becoming the latest in succession of one-off wins in the build-up to Saturday's final November international against Argentina.

"The players will keep their feet on the ground but Robbo will certainly do that as well.

"And we'll probably work harder next week than we have done the previous two.

"Come Monday, Tuesday, it'll probably be more intense and harder than it has been.

"But it's working, isn't it?"

Paterson, who admitted he thought his 25-metre drop goal was "going right", is edging ever closer to becoming the first Scot to win 100 caps.

He would rather not reach the milestone coming off the bench but insists he is happy to be involved in the Robinson revival in any capacity.

"You want to start, don't you? Of course you do," said Paterson, who was also a substitute in Robinson's first game in charge against Fiji last weekend.

"But I've been lucky enough I've started 88 times.

"I'm not starting at the moment and my drive is to contribute to the team and make an impact when I come on, and hopefully I'm doing that."

Phil Godman's sterling form with the boot - he kicked two crucial penalties yesterday - is helping keep Edinburgh team-mate Paterson out of the starting XV.

"He's striking the ball really, really well," said Paterson, arguably the world's best goalkicker.

He added: "Everyone's playing well without the team really clicking.

"So it's a great position to be in.

"The squad's there, the depth's there.

"I'll be delighted to get on the field next week, whether it be a start or coming off the bench."