Robinson puts trust in Godman

Chris Paterson will undergo a fly-half refresher course after Scotland head coach Andy Robinson gambled on one specialist number 10 for his first game in charge against Fiji.

Dan Parks' surprise omission from the 32-man squad named by Robinson for the opening autumn international leaves Phil Godman as the only member of the party to play the position on a regular basis.

Confirming Godman as a certain starter at Murrayfield on November 14, Robinson explained: "I believe that Phil Godman is an outstanding fly-half and he's going to be starting at 10 for Scotland."

On paper, Scotland's record points scorer and most capped player would appear to fit the bill.

But the fact he has only started 11 of his 95 Tests in the number 10 shirt raises questions over his ability to run a game at the highest level.

With rising star Ruaridh Jackson unavailable through injury, Glasgow team-mate Parks had been widely tipped for a recall.

"It's looking at the balance of who will be on the bench or playing at 15 for us," he added. "I'm looking at Chris as that option to cover 10. He's an outstanding goalkicker.

"Because Chris has not played that much at 10, he would need to do some practise during our sessions."

The other surprise omission was Edinburgh back row forward Allister Hogg, who lost out both to team-mate Alan MacDonald and Glasgow forward Richie Vernon, two of three uncapped players in the squad.

"That's one of the toughest decisions that I've had to make," Robinson revealed. "I rate Ally Hogg very, very highly. Of the players that are coming in, Richie Vernon has performed well. Alan MacDonald, I think, has been right on top of his game and Ally, unfortunately, didn't get the nod there."