Hodge was called into action after Townsend's injury during Scotland's 16-6 defeat by France in Paris a fortnight ago, and is preferred to the inexperienced Paterson.

Explaining his vote of confidence in Hodge, coach Ian McGeechan said: "Hodge has been around in the team all the time. He was at number 10, in the front line before the autumn series. Chris Paterson will cover number 10. We will work with him in that role this week to do a specific job, if and when, that situation arose."

Speaking at a media briefing, McGeechan confirmed that Paterson, still only 21, would be used in training behind closed doors this week as a stand-off to familiarise himself with a position he last played in June last year.

While keeping his cards close to his chest, McGeechan conceded to tinkering with his tactical strategy to bring the best out of Hodge.

McGeechan said: "We've had to change things slightly because Hodge isn't Gregor. You change your gameplan to suit the player that is there. It doesn't effect overall what we are trying to do. We have just got to try and make that particular area compliment the players who are there."

McGeechan refused to clarify the likelihood of Townsend's recovery from a knee injury, but said: "We are still pleased with Gregor's progress. He is better than he was on Monday but we are not putting any time-scale on him."

With continued doubts over Townsend's availability for the remainder of the Six Nations Championship, McGeechan has understandably turned to the youthful Paterson feeling he is ready for the task.

"We want Chris to do certain things and that's all we will be asking of him. You do need to cover the specialist positions. I am quite happy that Chris will fulfill the role we want him to.

"The Six Nations isn't quite Poverty Bay, where we played him last at number 10 in New Zealand, but it is important for him to understand what is being asked of him. We will be looking at a few things for him to do all week in training," McGeechan said.