Hugo Southwell has been given the coveted full-back slot ahead of Chris Paterson for Scotland’s opening match against Wales in the 2009 Six Nations.
Southwell admitted: “It’s always tough when you’re up against Mossy (Paterson). He’s a world class player. It’s great to win the selection vote ahead of him.
But Southwell was quick to pay tribute to the role the substitutes will play against the reigning Grand Slam champions.
He said: “It’s going to be a fast game; it’s going to be a pacey game. It’s going to be pretty frenetic out there and we’re going to need that strength and depth to come off the bench.”
“You only have to look at the bench of Mossy, Max Evans and Chris Cuisiter. It’s a serious depth at the moment and it’s something we can use at the weekend.”
But coach Frank Hadden admitted his choice had been straightforward: “As far as that position is concerned, Hugo Southwell is on a rich seam of form at the moment and Chris Paterson has only played a game and a half since he’s been out injured.”
Southwell is one of six changes to the last Scotland side, returning alongside Graeme Morrison, Sean Lamont, Jason White and Allister Hogg. Prop Geoff Cross is awarded his first cap in Euan Murray’s absence.
