Paterson's World Cup aim

Last line of defence: Paterson denies McLean a try at Murrayfield

Veteran full-back Chris Paterson remains motivated by a desire to be in Scotland's starting line-up at the World Cup in New Zealand later in the year.

Paterson reclaimed the number 15 jersey after Hugo Southwell was injured in the RBS Six Nations defeat to Wales, and started the losses to Ireland and England and the win over Italy.

Scotland's record points scorer and most-capped player now has 104 Test appearances under his belt and is looking to add to that tally by travelling to a fourth World Cup.

"I had nothing to prove. I wanted to get back in and just confirm I still had something to offer and an impact to make," said Paterson, who will be 33 on March 30.

"If I've done that then great. I'll continue to work hard on my game.

"A big hope and a big goal for me is to be involved in the World Cup come September.

"I need to work hard in training, finish the season well with Edinburgh and when pre-season comes along it will be competitive.

"You have to commit yourself fully and be prepared for a hard battle there.

"I'm enjoying my involvement at the moment, I'm enjoying being around and as long as I can commit myself entirely to it, I'll go for it. I'll give it everything I've got."

Centurion

Paterson made his debut in the 1999 World Cup against Spain and became the first Scot to reach a century of caps in the 2010 Six Nations clash with Wales in Cardiff.

However, a serious kidney injury saw him ruled out of contention before he came on as a replacement in last November's win over world champions South Africa to win his 101st cap.

Paterson was then the beneficiary of injury as Southwell suffered a facial blow against Wales and the Edinburgh man reclaimed his place.

The 32-year-old from Galashiels then demonstrated his value to the Scotland cause, with two try-saving tackles in successive Six Nations games.

The first halted England's Ben Foden, with Scotland chasing victory at Twickenham, and the second stopped Luke McLean as Italy sought a win at Murrayfield.

"It's strange to have a similar circumstance twice in six days, but that's what I'm there to do, to make those tackles," he said.

"I won't make them all because they're so last-ditch and it's such a stretch.

"There will be times when I don't make it, but I'm pleased with the last couple."

Scotland finished the Six Nations with a 21-8 win over Italy, but reflected on a disappointing tournament overall.

Scotland lost to France (34-21), Wales (24-6), Ireland (21-18) and England (22-16) before finally rescuing the win which saw them avoid the wooden spoon.

Mixed

Paterson added: "There had been good performances, but there had also been poor performances.

"The results don't lie, zero from four, going into the game against a team who got a good win (against France).

"It was important for us to win, to get a reward for the hard work and reward the coaches and the fans.

"We've yet to put an 80-minute performance together and that's the goal.

"There's a lot of good things. There's definitely stuff we need to work on.

"We're always looking to improve. The game will probably evolve between now and the next time international teams play - Super Rugby or the Tri-Nations will set a new benchmark.

"But at the moment we're trying hard to play a competitive game."

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