Statistically Chris Paterson is the best goal kicker in the world, having successfully kicked an astonishing 36 consecutive goals for Scotland between August 11th, 2007 and June 7, 2008, not missing a single attempt during the 2007 Rugby World Cup or the 2008 Six Nations Championship.

His run was finally brought to an end during the summer of 2008 against Argentina. However during this match he also overtook Gavin Hastings long-standing Scotland points record of 667, as well as equalling Scott Murray's record of 87 caps for Scotland. On June 14, 2008 he won his 88th cap and was man of the match in Scotland's 26-14 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires.

His contribution has been much more than that purely associated with a prolific goal-kicker. He is also third on the list of Scotland's try-scorers, and has provided rare moments of flair and guile in an era where the Scottish back line has otherwise been pedestrian.

As such room has always been found to accommodate Paterson in the team since his debut against Spain in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Selected at 10, 11, 14 or 15 Paterson succeeded fellow Borders product Gregor Townsend as his country's key back and has become a talisman to rival Andy Irvine fully three decades ago.

Despite Scotland winning most matches when he lines up on the left wing (11 from 25 appearances), the Edinburgh-born player has strung his most consistent displays together at full-back.

His outstanding performances in the number 15 jersey during the 2005 RBS 6 Nations saw him named as the BBC's fullback of the championship, and he was runner-up a year later after surprisingly being snubbed by Clive Woodward for the Lions tour to Australia.

The 30-year-old, who was also the Famous Grouse Player of the Year in 2004-2005, has captained Scotland on 12 occasions, all five matches in the 2004 Six Nations and then seven games in the 2006-2007 season.

A product of Galashiels Academy, Paterson made his debut in senior club rugby as an 18-year-old against Kelso in September 1996, and played all his club rugby in his native country until 2007 when he opted to join Gloucester.

The move was ill fated, however, and Paterson's lack of first team appearances (he made only seven starts) led to him leaving the West Country club after only a one-season stay. On re-joining Edinburgh he firing a parting shot at the style of play in the Premiership, calling it "physically dominated."

Scrum Staff September 2008