Paterson backs back-line

The Scotland skipper, who starts at full-back against France, says he is looking forward to playing with what is the biggest back-line in Socttish rugby history.

In Rob Dewey, Andy Henderson, Nikki Walker and Sean Lamont, Scotland have three-quarters of considerable bulk and size that have the potential to threaten the French.

"We now have the personnel and opportunity to really take the game to them," said Paterson. "I'm really excited about this weekend - and sometimes you get a funny feeling about games.

"In the past we've never really had a bigger side than the opposition, but we've got that this year, and I'm looking forward to playing and being a part of it."

Scotland have failed to produce any consistency in this Six Nations and have just one win, which came against an under-firing Wales team.

But Paterson feels a more direct style on Saturday can blend well with the wider game they have been trying to produce.

"It's no secret that we are going to be a little bit more direct because you have to play to your strengths," he added.

"But I think it'll compliment what we've been trying to do over the last year when we have been playing a wider game.

"You have to take the game to France and what better way of doing it than going straight into them and putting them under pressure from the start.

"I don't think many defences will relish playing against the size of backline we have, and hopefully it's another avenue that Frank is looking to explore before the World Cup."