Scotland suffered a damaging defeat to open their Six Nations campaign in Rome as the pressure ramps up on Gregor Townsend after Italy clung on for an 18-15 triumph in torrential rain at the Stadio Olimpico.
Townsend began this tournament under a degree of pressure after a November in which Scotland stumbled, and has had to bat away questions over links with the Newcastle Red Bulls in recent days. This loss – a second in three years to the Azzurri – won’t have helped his cause and will only increase frustration among Scotland supporters at their failure to properly challenge for the title, with the likelihood of breaking that streak this year now seeming remote.
Gonzalo Quesada’s ever-improving Italy may have been stung by a few injuries ahead of the championship but Louis Lynagh and Tommaso Menoncello scored lovely early tries before the boot of Paolo Garbisi kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Jack Dempsey and George Horne crossed for the visitors, who moved within three points in the closing stages, but then saw almost 30 phases in the final play of the game go to waste as the Italian defence held firm and got their Six Nations off to an ideal start.
Relive an enthralling Six Nations clash with our live blog below:
Italy vs Scotland live
- Italy beat Scotland in opening round of Six Nations
- REPORT: Italy overcome Scotland and wretched conditions as pressure builds on Gregor Townsend
- FT: Italy 18-15 Scotland
- 68' - TRY! Horne scurries in to get Scotland within a score (ITA 18-15 SCO)
- 23' - TRY! Dempsey punches over as Scotland hit back (ITA 12-7 SCO)
- 14' - TRY! Menoncello streaks down the wing for second Italy try (ITA 12-0 SCO)
- 8' - TRY! Lynagh latches on to Brex grubber kick for opening score (ITA 5-0 SCO)
Italy overcome Scotland and wretched conditions as pressure builds on Gregor Townsend
16:32 , Luke BakerPressure mounted on Gregor Townsend as Scotland suffered a disastrous Six Nations start by losing 18-15 to Italy in rain-lashed Rome.
The fired-up Azzurri raced into a 12-point lead within 14 minutes and the Scots - with back-three big-hitters Blair Kinghorn, Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe all dropped amid question marks over their form - were unable to get their attack firing in response, while their set-piece continually malfunctioned.
As Italy held firm for a deserved victory on a sodden Stadio Olimpico surface, it was the first time since 2020 that Townsend's side had lost their opening game of the Six Nations.
The timing of this horror show in the Eternal City could hardly be worse for the long-serving head coach, given that his position was already under intense scrutiny after a poor autumn campaign and following his contentious decision to take on a part-time consultancy role with Red Bull.
Italy overcome Scotland and wretched conditions as pressure builds on Gregor Townsend
FT: Italy 18-15 Scotland
16:06 , Harry Latham-CoyleA tough, tough defeat for Scotland, though - and more pressure on Gregor Townsend with the Calcutta Cup to come next week. Where do they go from here?
FT: Italy 18-15 Scotland
16:04 , Harry Latham-CoyleTremendous scenes in Rome. Wretched conditions, a pretty wretched game, but some win from Italy to kick start their tournament. They were much the better team in the first half and when the properly nasty conditions came in, their early advantage proved vital.
FULL TIME! Italy 18-15 Scotland
16:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 85 minutes
16:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleStill onwards they go. 28 phases, 29, here’s the 30th - BUT SCOTLAND ARE HELD UP! ITALIANS SWARM AROUND THE BALL CARRIER AND IT’S NOT COMING BACK.
THAT’LL BE THAT!
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 84 minutes
16:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland have made about 10 metres, before a punchy charge from Jack Dempsey adds about five more. Into the Italian 22 they go.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 83 minutes
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s one-out rugby from Scotland, as it sort of has to be. 17 phases and counting.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 82 minutes
15:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleSome dart from George Turner, that, right to the tail but on the money. Tommaso Menoncello nearly gets over the ball for a turnover penalty but Scotland just about shift him.
Nervous moments, these. Scotland can’t afford an error of any kind in horrible conditions.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 80 minutes
15:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis will be it. Scotland penalty advantage. Tom Jordan slips having been chopped at the knees.
They’ll need that penalty. It’s too far to chance an effort at goal.
Finn Russell punts to touch 25 metres or so from the Italian line. Home captain Michele Lamaro, replaced earlier, brings his hands together in prayer.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 78 minutes
15:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleWretched! Italy make a mess of their maul but that, from Jack Dempsey, is horrendous, a complete hack of a kick that slices off the outside of his boot all of five metres.
There is a knock on to come back for. And Scotland win a penalty! They’ll have one last shot from their own 10-metre line and a lineout.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 77 minutes
15:55 , Harry Latham-CoylePenalty Italy! And they choose the corner! It was bang in front and a guaranteed three points, but they are going for the kill, while killing a bit of clock, too.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 76 minutes
15:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother Scottish fumble edges Italy closer. Gregor Townsend stares into the middle distance.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 74 minutes
15:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleForward! Clever from Scotland, until it wasn’t, working something at the front of the lineout. Alas, the toss to George Turner is forward.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 73 minutes
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleFederico Ruzza is penalised for tugging on a Scottish arm in the air. The replacement lock doesn’t seem to agree, but that looks fair enough.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 72 minutes
15:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood game management from Paolo Garbisi, that. Given an avenue in which to place a grubber, he takes it, making 25 metres and forcing Scotland to throw a lineout inside their own 22.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 70 minutes
15:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleOne more Italy try and this juncture would surely seal it. They go to work in the Scottish half with some nice variety, Paolo Garbisi sweeping back to the blindside and finding Juan Ignacio Brex with a neat inside ball. Ah, that’s a shame - a knock-on a couple of phases later.
Italy 18-15 Scotland, 69 minutes
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn Italian knock-on grants Scotland a midfield scrum. Finn Russell wastes little time thereafter going to the air, but Leonardo Marin is safely beneath it inside his own 22, and replies in kind.
That’s a little loose from Scotland. Elliot Millar Mills concedes an unnecessary breakdown penalty after Russell had kicked long again.
TRY! Italy 18-15 SCOTLAND (George Horne, 68 minutes)
15:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleSharp stuff from George Horne and Scotland strike! Like a weasel out of a burrow, the scrum half escapes away from a rumbling maul and scurries into the corner, sliding in over the sodden surface.
Now then, can Finn Russell convert? Not quite. It’s a three point game.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 67 minutes
15:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe returned George Turner hits his man in the middle. Can Scotland capitalise?
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 66 minutes
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleA Scotland penalty in the Italy half. Sione Tuipulotu gathers the troops for a chat before dispatching his forwards to the corner after Finn Russell’s punt.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 63 minutes
15:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleIndeed, Scotland’s best attacking weapon at the moment is just to lump it as long as possible. They draw an Italian error but can’t capitalise, with a Huw Jones pass much too far behind Tom Jordan, who ends up sliding along like a tobogganist having failed to corral it.
Bunker decision! Italy 18-10 Scotland, 63 minutes
15:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleGeorge Turner’s yellow card remains a yellow. It feels about fair. He’ll be back amongst things in a couple of minutes.
Italy knock on in midfield. It’s so hard to hold on to the ball at the moment.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 62 minutes
15:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly earn another scrum further upfield, wide on the left, Mirco Spagnolo, the replacement loosehead, absolutely munches Zander Fagerson. A penalty. Italy creeping ever closer and back down towards the Scotland 22.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 60 minutes
15:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleStill we wait for news on the yellow/red card from the bunker. Scotland take off Rory Darge to bring on a hooker, with Sione Tuipulotu filling in on the flank.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 59 minutes
15:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt’s carnage at the Olimpico. Any kick that hits the floor first skids and then hurries to a halt, and anything hoisted landing in hands tends to slip straight through them.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 57 minutes
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe players are struggling to even keep their footing now - it’s become a pretty narrow, chaotic and sloppy contest. That will suit Italy perfectly fine with an eight-point advantage looking ever more imposing.
YELLOW CARD! Italy 18-10 Scotland, 55 minutes
15:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleA second Scottish hooker in the disciplinary dock in a matter of minutes - and George Turner is being shown yellow! That will go to the TMO bunker for consideration of an upgrade to a 20-minute red - it was incidental, rather than targeted, contact, but Turner made pretty forceful connection to the back of Manuel Zuliani’s head.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 55 minutes
15:27 , Harry Latham-CoylePrincess Anne is given a cheer as she is shown on the big screen, the royal looking comfortable enough in the posh seats. Blair Kinghorn’s situation looks rather less pleasant, huddled beneath a poncho with a face of stone.
Hang on, TMO Richard Kelly has come in again - and this looks a little bit clumsy from George Turner, with a shoulder hitting the head of Zuliani with the Italian flanker on the floor.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 54 minutes
15:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe weather is causing havoc. Two fumbles in the air from Italy grant Scotland possession deep in their 22, Darcy Graham quick to pick up the pieces. There’s a penalty for the Scots, too - but there is more concern over Manuel Zuliani, who is down with what looks like a neck or head issue. There will be a pause while the flanker is seen to.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 52 minutes
15:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleIn conditions like these, one Italy try could be enough. A neck roll, though, scuppers their latest offensive as Scotland cling on.
Italy 18-10 Scotland, 50 minutes
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother restart error from Scotland, this time on their own ball, with it travelling straight into touch. Jamie Dobie is off for a head injury assessment, with Darcy Graham on, while George Turner has replaced Ewan Ashman.
Strong scrummaging from Italy - Simone Ferrari forces Pierre Schoeman to pop up. The hosts’ penalty.
PENALTY! ITALY 18-10 Scotland (Paolo Garbisi, 50 minutes)
15:18 , Harry Latham-CoylePaolo Garbisi re-establishes Italy’s eight-point lead.
Penalty only! Italy 15-10 Scotland, 48 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-CoylePenalty only! Ben O’Keeffe and TMO Richard Kelly are happy there is a low degree of danger.
This’ll be three more to the Italian tally, though.
Italy 15-10 Scotland, 48 minutes
15:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleAshman is quite upright on Manuel Zuliani - is there head contact? If so, there may well be a card coming...
TMO CHECK! Italy 15-10 Scotland, 48 minutes
15:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleHang on, though - the officials want a look at something. Ewan Ashman looks to be the man who may be in a spot of bother for a high tackle.
Italy 15-10 Scotland, 48 minutes
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s sloppy from Scotland, mind. Jamie Dobie ends up with chalk on his boots after the restart, granting Italy a lineout in advanced territory.
Rory Darge bails his teammates out, though - superb jackalling from the openside to win a penalty in the shadow of his own posts.
PENALTY! Italy 15-10 SCOTLAND (Finn Russell, 47 minutes)
15:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleStraight and true from Finn Russell. Scotland back within a score.
Italy 15-7 Scotland, 45 minutes
15:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleAround the corner plough the forwards, although it is tough treading. Manuel Zuliani thinks he has got over the ball but is told to leave it by referee Ben O’Keeffe.
Italy infringe, which Scotland rather needed after a slightly aimless passage. Posts or corner? Sione Tuipulotu puts up three fingers.
Italy 15-7 Scotland, 44 minutes
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother Ashman miss! Italy pinch the lineout and a golden attacking platform is lost for the visitors. Alessandro Fusco hooks upfield.
Jamie Dobie returns the box kick with interest, though, as Scotland look to build from a little deeper.
Italy 15-7 Scotland, 43 minutes
15:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood god, it really is vile at the Olimpico. An ugly Ewan Ashman lineout fails to find the target, before Alessandro Fusco skews a box kick straight up in the air. Offside, another Scottish penalty, and down into the 22 they will traipse.
Italy 15-7 Scotland, 41 minutes
15:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd off go Italy again! A scorching break from Tommaso Menoncello right through the heart of the Scottish defence. He’s hauled down on the edge of the 22 but Leonardo Marin scampers onwards. Paolo Garbisi is turtled, though, allowing Scottish hands on to the ball to win a crucial breakdown penalty.
Second half...
15:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleBack underway in Rome.
Italy international Sergio Parisse: ‘Discipline is massive’
15:07 , Ciara FearnFormer Italy international Sergio Parisse on BBC Sport: “When the rain was so strong, Italy scored two tries. Discipline is massive.”
Former England captain Martin Johnson: 'Hard to score points'
15:05 , Ciara FearnSpeaking on BBC Sport, in the pouring rain in Rome, former England captain Martin Johnson has said: “It’s so hard to score points. That’s why Garbisi has been going for drop-goals.”
Italy 15-7 Scotland
14:55 , Ciara Fearn
Half-time! Italy 15-7 Scotland
14:54 , Ciara FearnItaly run down the clock and find touch as the half comes to a close, heading into the break with an eight-point lead. Townsend’s side faces plenty of work to do after a first half in which they were second best across almost every area.
Gregor Townsend has a huge challenge ahead if Scotland are to stage a comeback.
Italy 15-7 Scotland
14:52 , Ciara Fearn40 mins: Italy lose control of the line-out, but they quickly recover and push up to the edge of Scotland’s 22 with the rain pouring down.
Garbisi attempts another drop goal, but this time it drifts wide.
Italy 15-7 Scotland
14:50 , Ciara Fearn38 mins: Scotland concede a penalty at their own scrum and Italy opt for a kick to the corner on the left.
Schoeman returns for Scotland after his brief blood substitution.
Penalty! Italy (Paolo Garbisi) 15-7 Scotland
14:47 , Ciara Fearn35 mins: Italy send the ball into touch on their right setting up another line-out inside Scotland’s 22. Scotland are quickly penalised for infringing at the line-out, giving the Azzurri a penalty advantage.
Italy drive strongly in the maul, edging to within five metres, before Garbisi attempts a 15-metre drop goal, which drifts wide.
Play is brought back for the penalty and Italy opt to take a successful shot at the posts.
Italy 12-7 Scotland
14:44 , Ciara Fearn32 mins: Italy move the ball from right to left, making headway into Scotland’s half, but the attack breaks down after a wayward kick from Fusco.
Scotland recover the line-out, and White launches a box-kick forward. However, the visitors are penalised after Italy’s kick with Dobie preventing Lynagh from making a chase.
Italy 12-7 Scotland
14:41 , Ciara Fearn29 mins: Dobie is penalised for tackling Menoncello in the air. The call is a little harsh, as the wing tried to pull out, but there was contact.
Scotland make an early substitution ahead of Italy’s line-out with McBeth replacing Schoeman.
Try! Italy 12-7 Scotland (Jack Dempsey)
14:37 , Ciara Fearn24 mins: Great defence from Italy and patience from Scotland.
Scotland work the ball through several phases before spotting a gap in Italy’s defence.
Jack Dempsey breaks through a tackle and dives over for the try.
Finn Russell adds the conversion, putting Scotland on the scoreboard.
Italy 12-0 Scotland
14:35 , Ciara Fearn22 mins: The line-out is messy, but Scotland manage to secure the ball and drive toward the try line. After several phases they gain a penalty advantage for an Italian offside, continuing their push just five metres out.
Italy’s defence holds firm forcing Scotland back and the referee brings play back for the penalty. Taking it quickly, Ashman powers the visitors forward edging them to within a few metres of the line.
Italy 12-0 Scotland
14:31 , Ciara Fearn19 mins: Scotland win a penalty for an Italian offside as they push into the hosts’ half.
The move is brought back after a forward pass from Scotland, but Russell then fires a kick into the corner landing just five metres from the try line.
Italy 12-0 Scotland
14:29 , Luke BakerThe Azzurri are flying early on in Rome!
Try! Italy (Tommaso Menoncello) 12-0 Scotland
14:27 , Ciara Fearn14 mins: Italy are in complete control leaving Scotland scrambling.
Louis Lynagh shows great skill to beat Tom Jordan to a high ball, setting the stage for the hosts to spread play wide with deadly efficiency.
Tommaso Menoncello sprints down the left wing to score Italy’s second try and Paolo Garbisi adds the conversion.
Italy 5-0 Scotland
14:25 , Ciara Fearn11 mins: Scotland earn a penalty in Italy’s half and Russell sends the ball into the corner on the visitors’ right.
However, Italy steal it once more and the opportunity slips away.
Try! Italy (Louis Lynagh) 5-0 Scotland
14:21 , Ciara Fearn8 min: Italy take an early 5-0 lead thanks to Lynagh. From a line-out on the left, they work the ball through the middle and push confidently toward the 22.
The ball is then shifted out wide and Lynagh times his run perfectly to gather a brilliant grubber kick and touch down in the corner.
Garbisi's conversion hits the post but a great start for the home side.
Lineout lost
14:17 , Ciara Fearn5 min: Scotland push deep into Italian territory after Italy concede a penalty for an early drive at the line-out with Russell sending the ball into the corner.
However, Scotland are unable to make the most of the opportunity as Italy disrupt the line-out and regain possession.
Both sides are struggling with line-out execution in these early stages. Italy clear the ball to halfway, wiping out Scotland’s momentum and bringing play back to square one.
Italy 0-0 Scotland
14:16 , Ciara Fearn3 min: Scotland latch onto the loose ball after a wayward line-out from Italy, mounting their first push forward. They move the ball through their back line, giving every player an early touch.
Italy respond well making sure their defensive set prevents Scotland from gaining momentum.
The visitors fail to reach halfway and are forced to kick the ball back. Scotland then chase White’s box-kick effectively before Russell sends a deep kick into the Italian 22 with the Azzurri clearing into touch.
Kick-off! Italy 0-0 Scotland
14:12 , Ciara Fearn1 min: Referee Ben O’Keeffe sounds his whistle and the match is underway.
Scotland take to the field in their pink change kit, while Italy wear their classic blue. Italy start proceedings with the kick-off.
It is dry at the moment but rain is forecast for later.
Players take to the field
14:10 , Ciara FearnItaly’s Juan Ignacio Brex, Paolo Garbisi and captain Michele Lamaro lead the way onto the Stadio Olimpico turf, each marking their 50th appearance.
The stadium erupts in applause for the trio before the remaining players join them on the pitch.
Before the action begins, the national anthems are performed.
Head coach, Gregor Townsend on competition in Scotland squad
14:09 , Ciara FearnScotland head coach Gregor Townsend tells BBC Sport: “I pinch myself every time I go into the coaching box.
“I love spending time with the players. There’s more to come with this group and there’s a World Cup horizon. I do want to continue to support this team and achieve something they’ve never achieved before.
“There’s always highs and lows. You feel disappointed when your team doesn’t play close to its potential more than if you lose. The important thing for us to make sure those painful memories turn into better performances in the future.
“There’s two mindsets here. Of course, we want to win every game and we are disappointed when we don’t win and that’s what drives us with the players as well. We are here to play our best.
“Outside of that, the context that I suppose I’m most proud of, our supporters are totally behind the team. They have a real love and connection for what this team can go out and perform like. For us, that’s not enough and for some of our supporters it’s not enough. We do demand more.
“It’s a very competitive squad and every position is under pressure and that’s the best I’ve seen it.”
Italy Captain Michele Lamaro: 'perception has changed'
14:08 , Ciara FearnDiscussing the reputation of Italy in the Six Nations, Captain Michele Lamaro has said: “I think what has changed in the last couple of years is the perception of our team.
“Teams are not scared of what we can do, but scared of what we might do if we are put in the position to do that.
“We’ve shown some really good rugby in the last couple of years and we can see how the teams are starting to prepare for us.
“We have the confidence that if we do everything in the proper way, if we put ourselves in the best situation possible, we know we can put Scotland under massive pressure, even from a scoreboard perspective.”
Italy head coach Quesada 'super confident' ahead of clash
14:07 , Ciara FearnItaly head coach Gonzalo Quesada speaking to BBC:
“We know we won’t get confused with some expectations, we know we have to be at more than 100 to perform, to compete in the five games ahead of us.
“I’m super confident in the guys going on the pitch, they are ready, we have prepared well for this game with the little time and resources we have. We focus on what we have and try to make our fans, Italian rugby, proud.”
Scotland hold upper hand in series
14:05 , Ciara FearnThe two sides have met 38 times with Scotland coming out on top in 29 matches and Italy winning nine.
In recent years, Scotland have largely dominated taking nine of the last ten encounters. Italy’s sole win in that stretch, however, came just two years ago in Rome, a reminder that they’re capable of springing a surprise.
A battle on the rise
14:00 , Ciara FearnItaly vs Scotland may not carry the same historic weight as some of the marquee rivalries in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, but in recent years it has produced some of the tournament’s most thrilling contests.
From Italy’s landmark first win in 2000 to Scotland’s commanding victory in 2017 momentum has swung back and forth with each clash.
Last year, Scotland narrowly claimed a hard-fought win in Edinburgh, yet Italy, driven by the growing influence of Capuozzo, Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Allan’s precise kicking - showed a team increasingly unwilling to settle for moral victories.
Italy vs Scotland match officials
13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s a Kiwi flavour to the officiating team today, although look out for Katsuki Furuse on the touchline - the young Japanese impressed plenty in France during a recent stint in ProD2.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe (NZ)
ARs: James Doleman (NZ) & Katsuki Furuse (Jpn)
TMO: Richard Kelly (NZ)
Foul Play Review Officer: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
Centres of attention
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere are few more balanced centre duos than the two on show today, the partnership between Tommaso Menoncello and Juan Ignacio Brex just as well grooved as that of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones. Both Brex and Tuipulotu are lovely distributors at the line.
Jones has only played a few times this season after undergoing surgery on an Achilles issue in September, missing Scotland’s autumn. He’ll make a difference, you’d think.
Italy's selection
13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleItaly have full-back problems themselves, and I’d expect Scotland to try and test Leonardo Marin (more often a centre) under the high ball. Their back row is fascinating, too, with both Sebastian Negri and Ross Vintcent out - it looks a pack perhaps a little short on carriers with both Michele Lamaro and Manuel Zuliani starting. Zuliani is so, so good over the ball, though, and Italy will surely look to spoil as much as possible, with Danilo Fischetti, Giacomo Nicotera and Lamaro himself all very proficient in that regard, too.
Scotland's bold back three call
13:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe form of Glagow wings Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie has been excellent this year, but it was still a slight surprise to see both included in the starting Scotland side, certainly at the expense of someone like Darcy Graham. Dobie’s nine/wing versatility would appear well suited to a bench spot but he’s fully established himself on the left for the Warriors this year, and marries well with Steyn’s rounded game on the opposite side.
The selection of Tom Jordan ahead of Blair Kinghorn came as more of a shock. The Bristol Bears playmaker has generally been utilised at fly half at his club this season after an injury to AJ MacGinty, but it’ll be fun to see him work in combination with Finn Russell. One suspects Kinghorn will play a part at some point over the coming weeks, but he’s not been at his best for Toulouse, and it feels as if Gregor Townsend is rewarding form in this selection.
Team news - Scotland
13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend has rewarded the strong form of a healthy Glasgow contingent, with a new-look back three named. Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn join Tom Jordan in the back three with Darcy Graham only on the bench, and no place at all in the squad for either Blair Kinghorn or Duhan van der Merwe.
Jack Dempsey is passed fit to feature at No 8, with the pack taking on a familiar look. Despite the versatility of Dobie and Jordan, Townsend opts for a traditional bench split, too.
Scotland XV: 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Scott Cummings, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Jamie Dobie, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Tom Jordan.
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown; 21 George Horne, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Darcy Graham.
The XV taking on Italy in our @SixNationsRugby opener 🏴#AsOne pic.twitter.com/F8GxZ67kj7
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 5, 2026
Team news - Italy
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleCaptain Michele Lamaro is deployed at blindside flanker in Gonzalo Quesada’s Italy team, with Manuel Zuliani on the openside after an impressive 2025. Alessandro Fusco partners Paolo Garbisi in the halves while there is a rare start at full-back for the versatile Leonardo Martin, with all of Ange Capuozzo, Tommaso Allan, Edoardo Todaro and Jacopo Trulla absent due to injury.
It’s a five forwards to three backs bench split from Quesada. Stephen Varney misses out with a niggle.
Italy XV: 1 Danilo Fischetti, 2 Giacomo Nicotera, 3 Simone Ferrari; 4 Niccolo Cannone, 5 Andrea Zambonin; 6 Michele Lamaro (capt.), 7 Manuel Zuliani, 8 Lorenzo Cannone; 9 Alessandro Fusco, 10 Paolo Garbisi; 11 Monty Ioane, 12 Tommaso Menoncello, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 14 Louis Lynagh; 15 Leonardo Marin.
Replacements: 16 Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, 17 Mirco Spagnolo, 18 Muhamed Hasa, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Riccardo Favretto; 21 Alessandro Garbisi, 22 Giacomo Da Re, 23 Lorenzo Pani.
Gli Azzurri convocati dal C.T. Gonzalo #Quesada per il match inaugurale del @SixNationsRugby 2026 contro la Scozia 👉
— Italrugby (@Federugby) February 5, 2026
📆 Sabato 7 Febbraio
⏰ 15:10
🏟 Stadio Olimpico, Roma
📺 @SkySport 1 ▪ @TV8it ▪ @NOWTV_It #GuinnesM6N#Insieme #RugbyPassioneItaliana pic.twitter.com/KG40XrBm6j
Six Nations predictions: Winner, top try-scorer, breakthrough star and more
11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Six Nations returns with rugby’s annual spring spectacular set to provide the usual thrills and spills.
France begin as defending champions and will hope for more success, but are likely to face tough opposition from England, who arrive on an 11-match winning run.
Scotland also have a squad capable of challenging as they bid to bounce back from a disappointing autumn; Italy will hope to overcome injuries to maintain their upward curve; and Wales will look to banish off-field noise and take steps forward in their first Six Nations under Steve Tandy.
It is a slightly condensed campaign this year, with the removal of a rest weekend likely to put increased pressure on each squad. Could that have a bearing on the outcome of the competition?
Find out who The Independent’s writers are tipping for success in our annual predictions:
Six Nations predictions: Winner, top try-scorer, breakthrough star and more
The minor Six Nations change that could have a major impact on this year’s champions
11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleSquad depth is going to become even more important in this Six Nations, you’d say, with the removal of the first rest week making it even faster and more furious than before.
The minor Six Nations change that could have a major impact on this year’s champions
Scotland spring selection surprise with Blair Kinghorn out of Six Nations opener
11:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleBritish and Irish Lion Blair Kinghorn has been dropped for Scotland’s Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday with Tom Jordan taking his place.
Scotland will open their Six Nations campaign with a return to Rome for the first time since their disappointing defeat there in March 2024 and will be looking for a strong start to build on their fourth-placed finish last year.
Jordan has earned a starting berth at full-back, with Kinghorn dropped from the matchday squad by head coach Gregor Townsend.
Jamie Dobie has been handed a first Six Nations start and will line up on the wing opposite Kyle Steyn, with the Glasgow pair preferred to Edinburgh's Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe who have both been struggling for form recently.
Graham has been named on bench but there is no place in the 23 for Scotland's leading try-scorer Van der Merwe, who was dropped in the autumn following a dip in form since his involvement with the Lions last summer.
Scotland spring selection surprise with Blair Kinghorn out of Six Nations opener
