Paterson defiant as ABs loom

Scotland full-back Chris Paterson has thrown down the gauntlet to the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's Test match.

Chris Paterson: Nothing to lose

The all-conquering All Blacks are expected to complete the Grand Slam at Murrayfield at the weekend against Frank Hadden's side.

But after having kicked his team to a disappointing 18-11 win over Samoa, Paterson insisted that if everything fell into place on Saturday, the Scots could win over New Zealand for the first time.

"There is absolutely nothing to lose from our point of view," said Paterson to the Edinburgh Herald.

"We will be going out with a smile on our face and aiming to cause an upset."

"The All Blacks are a brilliant, brilliant side but it is not possible for them to hit any harder than Samoa did.

"In terms of dealing with physicality we are up to speed and what we have to do most of all is reproduce the guts and passion that dug out the win over Samoa."

Paterson has been backed up by winger Sean Lamont, who has nevertheless called for patience among the supporters as they prepare for New Zealand on Saturday in the final Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Test.

After the narrow defeat by Argentina and the win over Samoa on Sunday, 24-year-old Lamont is convinced the Scots can prove they are heading in the right direction with a quality display against New Zealand.

"We will just go out and play. It is more about the team's performance," he said.

"To win would obviously be amazing, but we have to look at our display.

"We are still quite a young team and it takes a little time for the cohesion to come in.

"But the more time you spend playing with each other, the better you are going to be.

"You can read people, know where they are going to step and where you can take the lines off them. We are on the up and getting wins, which is what we need."

Scotland were grateful to a late Marcus Di Rollo try in the 18-11 win over Samoa on Sunday.

But Lamont, the Northampton Saints winger, insists a determined and physical display by the Pacific Islanders had been expected by everyone within the Scottish camp.

"People said to me before the game that they were expecting a walkover against Samoa but that is never the case," he refuted.

"They are so strong, they will always push you all the way.

"The Samoans are a proud nation, who love their rugby, and will always push you in a game. I was cramping up all over the place.

"It was physical and we were fortunate to get the try in the end.

"They are pure power-houses and you cannot take anything away from them.

"It was a good step-up. We know the All Blacks work along the same lines - physicality around the breakdown, coming at you and you have to make your tackles.

"With their speed, they are going to be breaking through. They are also going for the Grand Slam, ending with us."

While the visit of the All Blacks is expected to end in a defeat for the Scots, Lamont is convinced ending 2005 on a high - even in defeat - can stand the team in good stead for the Six Nations next year.

"Even two wins in the Six Nations will be a good target.

"Teams go up and down but it takes time with players going in and out.

"It just takes time and that is what we need."