Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has switched Chris Paterson from fullback to left wing for the Six Nations match against Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Glenn Metcalfe has been restored to the number 15 position in place of Paterson, who has played 13 times for Scotland at fullback.
His only previous experience on the wing was with Scotland's under-19s, but the move follows a trend in modern rugby that has seen the back three positions become interchangeable.
"Essentially you need three full backs. The roles of the back three are very similar," said McGeechan, who confirmed that Paterson's move had not been brought about by injuries to wingers Kenny Logan and Cameron Murray.
Elsewhere, McGeechan has brought back Jason White, though he too will switch from his normal position of flanker to second row.
Scotland:15-Glenn Metcalfe (Glasgow), 14-Jon Steel (Glasgow), 13-James McLaren (Glasgow), 12-John Leslie (Newcastle Falcons), 11-Chris Paterson (Edinburgh); 10-Gregor Townsend (Castres), 9-Bryan Redpath (Sale Sharks); 8-Simon Taylor (Edinburgh), 7-Budge Pountney (captain), 6-Gordon Simpson (Glasgow), 5-Scott Murray (Saracens), 4-Jason White (Glasgow), 4-Scott Murray (Saracens), 3-Mattie Stewart (Northampton Saints), 2-Gordon Bulloch (Glasgow), 1-Tom Smith (Northampton Saints)
Replacements:16-Steve Scott (Edinburgh), 17-George Graham (Newcastle Falcons), 18-Stuart Grimes (Newcastle Falcons), 19-Jon Petrie (Glasgow), 20-Andy Nicol (Glasgow), 21-Duncan Hodge (Edinburgh), 22-Andrew Henderson (Glasgow).