Eurosport - Tue, 10 Mar 18:38:00 2009
Scotland's Chris Paterson will make his first Six Nations start of the season after being named at full-back for Saturday's clash with Ireland at Murrayfield.
Scotland's record points-scorer (pictured) replaces Hugo Southwell at the back, while coach Frank Hadden is waiting on late fitness tests before naming his two second rows.
Hadden hopes Jim Hamilton and Nathan Hines will be fit again after injury to play unbeaten Ireland, and has named them in the starting XV along with Alastair Kellock and Jason White.
Up front, Alasdair Dickinson replaces the injured Allan Jacobsen at loosehead prop, while Paterson is the only change to the back-line that featured in Scotland's 26-6 victory over Italy on their last championship game
"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," said Hadden.
"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.
"Once we have finalised the lock selections we will complete our bench selection. Here, we are also monitoring the welcome return to fitness of Rory Lamont."
Rory Lamont and Hines have yet to feature in this year's Six Nations and their return to training along with Hamilton has given the Scotland squad a stronger look about it.
Scotland: 15-Chris Paterson, 14-Simon Danielli, 13-Max Evans, 12-Graeme Morrison, 11-Thom Evans, 10-Phil Godman, 9-Mike Blair (captain); 8-Simon Taylor, 7-John Barclay, 6-Alasdair Strokosch, 5-Jason White (or Jim Hamilton), 4-Alastair Kellock (or Nathan Hines), 3-Euan Murray, 2-Ross Ford, 1-Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16-Dougie Hall, 17-Moray Low, 18-TBC, 19-Scott Gray, 20-Chris Cusiter, 21-TBC, 22-Hugo Southwell.
Comment 1 - 1 of 1
Still no 'bears' in the 'forrits' and that is what we lack!!
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