After a terrific period of high tempo rugby at the start of this match we've now hit a bit of a lull. The phases are not being put together and the players appear to be breathing hard. Not surprising really given the temperature is touching 29 degrees and the humidity is 85%.

Not conditions the Scottish boys will be too familiar with.

Richie Gray
Former Scotland breakdown coach on BBC Radio Scotland

Allan Dell trudges off with a blood injury with Gordon Reid summoned from the bench to replace him.

The referee thinks it's an ideal opportunity to take the first two-minute water break of the match. Much-needed in these humid conditions.

Scotland have had loads of ball and are doing really well to keep it alive but the Italian defence is resolute.

Finn Russell sniffs a gap out wide and turns on the burners but just as he looks like he may be sprinting for the corner he is brought down and the ball squirts out of his grasp.

Chris Paterson
Former Scotland international on BBC One

"If Scotland can just make that one extra pass it will move the ball away from the heart of the Italian defence."

Italy have barely touched the ball but they see an opportunity to compete at the breakdown and force Scotland to concede the penalty.

Tommaso Allan bangs the kick over from the 10m line to bring Italy level.

Richie Gray
Former Scotland breakdown coach on BBC Radio Scotland

"You can see already how Scotland are trying to play - very fast, accurate.

"If there was one problem the Italians had in the Six Nations it was the minute you stretched them, from pretty much touchline to touchline, there was always spaces and Scotland have got players that can definitely cause problems this afternoon."

Scotland dominating the ball in these opening exchanges. Ben Toolis is in the thick of it, carrying well as the Italians struggle to keep the door shut near their own line.

Eventually the pressure tells and the referee penalises Italy to allow Finn Russell to kick Scotland into an early lead.

Really encouraging start from Scotland with Finn Russell zipping the ball around as they go wide-to-wide from the off.

John Barclay breaks the line and Italy are forced onto the back-foot inside their own 22. Once the ball is recycled Russell aims a little dink kick towards Matt Scott but it just evades the centre and the chance is gone.

Fast start from the Scots.

Italy's Tomasso Allen gets us under way in Singapore.

The teams emerge to what is unfortunately a sea of empty seats. Our man Tom English estimates there are roughly 8000-9000 fans in the 55,000 capacity Singapore National Stadium.

The Scottish fans who are there belt out the national anthem with their usual gusto.

We're almost ready to go.

Richie Gray
Former Scotland breakdown coach on BBC Radio Scotland

“I genuinely feel sorry for John Hardie because he has been plagued with some shocking injuries over the last two or three years.

"When you get him fit and healthy and he’s playing week in and week out, pound-for-pound he’s one of the best back-rowers going about.”

Bad news for Scotland....

“It is exciting. This is why we coach, why the players play, to get out there and play for your country.

"It’s different playing away from home at a neutral venue, playing in an indoor stadium in weather we’re not usually accustomed to.

"That makes the challenge that bit greater. I really believe the players have prepared well and are in a good place ahead of this game.”

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend speaking on BBC Radio Scotland.

After a sticky start to the tour the British & Irish Lions got things back on track with a well-earned victory over Super Rugby side the Crusaders today.

After defeat last time out to the Blues it was a timely boost for Warren Gatland and his men, but it was not an occasion to savour for Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg.

The Glasgow Warriors man was forced off after just 20 minutes with a nasty looking head injury caused by an accidental collision with team-mate Conor Murray.

Hopefully the injury is not too serious but it is an unfortunate blow to his chances of making the Lions team to face New Zealand in the first Test in two weeks time.

Image source, Getty Images

Tom English
Chief sports writer, BBC Scotland at Singapore National Stadium

Greetings from Singapore's National Stadium where, despite the much talked-about "energy efficient comfort cooling technology" it remains hot and humid. Myreside, it is not.

The retractable roof is mostly closed, an expected crowd of 8,000 are beginning to drift in.

This is a spectacular stadium - capacity 55,000 - in a hugely exciting city.

We might not be at the heart of the sporting world here today, but this is a massive night for Gregor Townsend and his players.

They've talked all week about how they intend to play the game - a fast and furious style. Good luck to them trying to execute that gameplan in these conditions.

Townsend, however, is convinced his players can do it against an Italian team that is at a low ebb.

Image source, Getty Images

What should be Scotland's targets for this summer tour? Is three wins from three against Italy, Australia and Fiji achievable?

We want your thoughts so tweet us your comments and score predictions @BBCSportScot, external or @BBCAndyBurke, external. You can also leave a comment at the BBC Sport Scotland Facebook page, external.

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The headline news from the Italy camp is the absence of Sergio Parisse, the talismanic skipper rested for the summer tour. In his absence scrum-half Edoardo Gori - the only Italy player with more than 50 caps - leads the side.

Conor O'Shea has named a realtively inexperienced side, with New Zealander Dean Budd, who qualifies via residency, and hooker Luca Bigi winning their first caps.

Glasgow's Leonardo Sarto is on the wing with former Scotland Under-20 cap Tommaso Allan getting the nod over Carlo Canna at fly-half.

Subs: Ornel Gega, Federico Zani, Pietro Ceccarelli, Andries van Schalkwyk, Abraham Steyn, Marcello Violi, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Benvenuti.