Paterson moves above Hodge

Scotland have been forced to reshuffle their goal-kicking department yet again in a bid to avenge a humiliating Roman conquest.

Coach Ian McGeechan last night confirmed that Duncan Hodge has been dropped from the starting XV for tomorrow's return to the Stadio Flaminio, scene of Scotland's embarrassing Six Nations defeat to Italy two years ago.

Hodge has paid the price for converting just one of five attempts on goal in the opening-day drubbing by England at Murrayfield, continuing a recent Scottish tradition of waywardness which has prompted the recruitment of specialist kicking coach Michael Byrne. The Australian now has to hope that his week's tuition with Chris Paterson, handed the responsibility despite his club status as stand-in kicker for Edinburgh team-mate Hodge, pays dividends in a stadium which witnessed one of the worst Scottish kicking displays of modern times. Kenny Logan, whose misfiring at the Flaminio contributed greatly to the Italians' only Six Nations victory to date, will not be asked to relive his nightmare with the boot even if he makes it off the bench tomorrow.

Gregor Townsend, one of several given a chance to become Scotland's regular kicker in the aftermath of Logan's disastrous performance, is in the team - and back at his favoured fly-half position - but is also removed from the kicking rotation. That is, unless Paterson misfires. McGeechan, giving Glasgow

centre Andrew Henderson his first Six Nations start in place of Hodge, confirmed that new captain Bryan Redpath has been given licence to switch kickers if Paterson falters.

'I am not interested in missed penalties this week,' said the coach. 'Chris has kicked seven out of nine at international level and takes the pressure in his stride. It is very important to keep the scoreboard ticking over.