Scotland have won two of their three matches in this year’s Six Nations – a Calcutta Cup success away at England followed by a home win over Wales – before losing narrowly 32-21 in a classic match against the French in Paris. Despite the defeat at the Stade de France, Scotland still have hopes of winning the tournament and landing the Triple Crown. In all three of the matches, Scotland have played on the front foot with pace and creativity and Paterson, who won 109 caps for his country between 1999 and 2011 and scored 809 points, feels Scotland deserve immense credit for a willingness to play attacking rugby.

“Scotland are playing a really exciting brand of rugby, that really suits them and is difficult to do,” said Paterson, currently a pundit with Viaplay. “I think traditionally over the past couple of years, there was a real defensive element to international rugby. France winning the Grand Slam last year was built on defence then look at Wales winning the Championship the year before that, when they had the least possession and scored the fewest tries but still won the title.

'Inspiring' Scotland hailed for playing attacking rugby in 2023 Six Nations - 'it has spun on its axis'