Memo to Stuart Lancaster: Michael Paterson’s available

Not many outside of Wales realised quite what an exceptional bit of business Sale supremo Steve Diamond had done last summer in signing second row Michael Paterson – but they certainly do now.
Since his arrival, the Sharks pack has developed into one of the toughest units in the Premiership and Paterson has dominated the set-piece.
He leads the way in lineouts stats and also, more impressively for a tight forward, the tackle charts as well. In fact he has been the Sharks’ top defender in all but two league games.
Paterson was on the verge of qualifying for Wales last summer after three successful seasons with Cardiff Blues. But when the Sharks came hunting for some fresh meat to add muscle to the soft underbelly of their pack, Paterson had no hesitation in agreeing terms.
“My grandfather was born in England so it was a simple decision,” Paterson said.
“I want to represent England at the World Cup and if I get the opportunity to be selected for the squad it would represent a huge honour for me – and I’m sure my grandfather, too, watching down from above.
“His parents were working in England at the time he was born and to be able to link things back to the place he was born is a huge incentive for me.”
Paterson is not your usual journeyman Antipodean looking to make a quick buck.
He is of rich rugby pedigree having been a member of the New Zealand U19s World Champions in 2004, alongside All Black No.8 Kieran Read, and spent four seasons playing Super Rugby before heading for Europe.
Former England boss Martin Johnson kept tabs on the 6ft 5in, 17stone lock-cum-blindside when he joined the Blues in 2010, but as yet his successor has not been in contact. However, with match stats such as Paterson’s, it is surely just a matter of time.
Sale boss Diamond does not lavish praise lightly, but he told The Rugby Paper this week he has been thoroughly impressed with his summer aquisition.  “Michael has been fantastic for us, one of the best locks around,” Diamond said.
“He is still only 28 and England qualified and I am little surprised England haven’t had a look yet. Michael is a really formidable player.”
Christchurch-born Paterson is clearly determined to push himself as far as his talent will take him.
“I have a year left on my contract at Sale and we are starting to talk about extending it. I don’t qualify for the All Blacks because I play here and my focus is on breaking into the England squad.
“I’ve not spoken to Stuart Lancaster, but I know Martin Johnson was interested about my eligibility when I joined the Blues in 2010, but playing in the RaboDirect probably didn’t help my cause. But playing in the Premiership week-in week-out against tough opposition makes it easier to put my hand up.
“I pride myself on my ability to play at lock or back row so you never know what will happen in the future.”
Paterson understands he is some way down the England second row pecking order: Courtney Lawes and Joe Launchbury are the men in possession, with Dave Attwood, Geoff Parling and Ed Slater waiting.
But he also knows things can change quickly and that timing is everything.
“I played three years at the Crusaders and then a year with the Hurricanes, but I knew it would be difficult to earn a spot in the All Blacks set-up as I was behind Ali Williams and Brad Thorn.
“I thought the time was right for me to move on and experience a new culture, just like I thought it was right to join Sale in the summer.
“I talk with Kieran quite often and the All Blacks are looking forward to facing England in the summer. Playing at age-grade and club level with him I always wanted to be better than him. It would be nice to take him on this summer – it’s always nice to play against your mates and get one over them!”
Paterson has pressing matters to attend to as he tries to force Lancaster’s hand, with Quins travelling to Salford on Friday night.
“We’ve got a big end of the season coming up.  To make the top four would be a huge turnaround from where Sale were last year.”
And Paterson may find his timing is finally in sync to make the jump into Test rugby.
MATTHEW EMERY