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Handy Pass: Paterson has more than a deadly boot
Scotland star Chris Paterson intends to show the world he is more than just a goal-kicker when he takes the field against Argentina in Paris on Sunday.
The 29-year-old has established himself as the best kicker in the world, having landed 80 of his last 89 attempts at goal in Test rugby.
In this World Cup, he has a 100 per cent strike-rate and booted six penalties in a row in the Scots' narrow 18-16 Pool C win over Italy last Saturday that earned them a place in the last eight.
His unforgiving right boot is a headline grabber, but the new Gloucester recruit admits he wants to be known by more than that.
"That frustrates me and I get embarrassed by the things I read and hear," he said.
"I am just a guy who wants to get out there and play rugby, have the ball in my hand, tackle and score tries.
"I like to think I offer more than just kicks. So that's the frustrating part to it.
"And it's the same with the team in general."
Paterson has a handy record with the boot, but he also weighs in with his fair share of tries.
In his 80 appearances for the men in blue, he has touched down 22 tries, helping him become only the second player to score more than 600 points for Scotland.
One of those tries came against Romania in the group stages, in a match in which Frank Hadden's men went over six times in all.
In the scrappy win over Italy in the pool eliminator, windy and rainy conditions dictated a reliance on Paterson's kicking.
But the Edinburgh-born player hopes his team-mates can throw off the shackles on Sunday.
"We found an attacking edge against Ireland in the our first warm-up game [a 31-21 win], even though it was a wet day," he said.
"Weather conditions have made us tighten things up. But we have got through and we have an opportunity this weekend to entertain and get some tries on the board.
"Winning is the most important thing, especially in knockout rugby.
"But there comes a point where you have to go for it, take a chance. You realise that in a day's time, you could be back home having not taken risks and instead just held on and hoped not to lose.
"To be honest, all the teams left have to have that attitude and it would be great if we could find that edge.
"I think we have those runners. The Lamonts are dangerous, Simon Webster too, and I like to think I can run a wee bit.
"So if we get in the right positions at the right time and in the right conditions, you have to back yourself."
Argentina have been more impressive in the group stages, beating the likes of Ireland and hosts France to earn themselves an easier quarter-final by topping the pool.
They ground victories out against those two countries by keeping it tight and kicking their goals, and Paterson expects to see more expansive rugby from them on Sunday as well.
"I'd much rather be speaking about tries and finding an attacking edge," he added.
"I think we have underplayed so far. As have Argentina.
"They came through a tough group, but they have got more to offer and will want to play more rugby.
"They will realise that if they want to go all the way, they are going to have to play more rugby. So will we and hopefully it will be an exciting game."
Argentina start as favourites for a number of reasons, but that does not concern Paterson.
"Some will use it as a motivational tool, but I don't think Argentina are stupid enough to think that.
"I played against them a couple of years ago. It was a hard game at Murrayfield and they will realise more than anyone how hard it is to get to the semi-finals.
"Come the first whistle, everything said beforehand does not matter. It's about the way you perform on the night."
