Six Nations
Paterson to get 100th cap
2010-02-09 16:16
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Edinburgh - Scotland have recalled Australian-born flyhalf Dan Parks for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales, which will also see Chris Paterson win his 100th cap.
Head coach Andy Robinson has dropped Phil Godman, who started in the number 10 shirt in the 18-9 defeat by France on Sunday, to the bench to make way for Parks, who is seen as a better tactical kicker and has been in fine form for Celtic League leaders Glasgow this season.
An unexpected reshuffle of the back line sees Rory Lamont come in on the left wing with his brother Sean, one of Scotland's best performers against France, shifted to outside centre.
Max Evans drops to the bench as a result, as does prop Moray Low, who makes way for the return of Euan Murray, who missed the France match because his religious beliefs prevent him from playing on Sundays.
It will be a landmark day for Paterson, who becomes the first Scot to reach a century of caps. The 31-year-old Edinburgh full-back, arguably the most reliable goal-kicker in world rugby, is also his country's record points scorer with his three penalties against the French lifting his tally to 750 points.
Robinson said: "Chris has been a fantastic ambassador for the team and it's a tremendous honour for him to win his 100th cap. It's well-deserved and I'm looking forward to seeing him perform at the weekend."
One of Robinson's first acts after being appointed head coach last year was to drop Parks from the international set-up but the 31-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland because one of his grandmothers was Scots, has forced his way back into contention with his form for Glasgow.
"I'm pleased to welcome Dan back," Robinson said. "He comes in after playing consistently well for Glasgow."
Both sides will be looking for their first win on Saturday with Wales having gone down to a 30-17 defeat by England in their opener at Twickenham on Saturday.
Scotland (15-1):
Chris Paterson; Thom Evans, Sean Lamont, Graeme Morrison, Rory Lamont; Dan Parks, Chris Cusiter (capt); Johnnie Beattie, John Barclay, Kelly Brown; Alastair Kellock, Nathan Hines; Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Alastair Dickinson
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Allan Jacobsen, Richie Gray, Alan MacDonald, Mike Blair, Phil Godman, Max Evans
Ref: George Clancy (IRL)