Six Nations 2021: Scotland v Italy - Stuart Hogg starts at fly-half

Scotland's Six Nations meeting with Italy is a "good opportunity" to see what Stuart Hogg can do at fly-half, says head coach Gregor Townsend.

The Exeter Chiefs full-back will make his first start at 10 for Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, with Finn Russell unavailable due to concussion.

Hogg has acted as cover in the position during games, including in the final quarter against Ireland last week.

"It gives us a better balance to the team," Townsend said.

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"We're keen to see him play there if he's going to be, at times, a reserve 10 in our squad.

"Full-back is his position but given his experience, leadership ability and all-round skillset we do see him as being able to cover other positions and this is an opportunity for him to do that."

Harlequins scrum-half Scott Steele will play inside Hogg, having been forced to fill in on the wing and in the back row as a replacement in the Six Nations so far.

He is one of seven personnel changes as Huw Jones returns at outside centre, having come on to score in the defeat by Ireland.

Sam Skinner and Grant Gilchrist form a new second row, with Jonny Gray and Scott Cummings both injured.

Dave Cherry makes his first Scotland start at hooker as George Turner drops to the bench.

Tight-head prop Zander Fagerson is also back in the starting XV after serving a ban following his red card against Wales, and Gloucester second-row Alex Craig could make his debut from the bench.

After starting the tournament with a statement win against England, Scotland have slipped to narrow defeats at home to Wales and Ireland, and are yet to play France after the match was postponed.

"Saturday is an opportunity for us to show an improved performance and a much truer reflection of who we are as a team," Townsend said.

"Italy have performed better away from home in this year's championship, causing both England and France a number of problems. We expect them to produce their best rugby of the season against us."

Scotland: Maitland; Graham; Jones, Johnson; Van der Merwe; Hogg, Steele; Sutherland, Cherry, Z Fagerson; Skinner, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Watson, M Fagerson.

Replacements: Turner, Bhatti, Berghan, Craig, Haining, Price, Van der Walt, Harris.

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