Six Nations 2024: 'Happyish' Townsend makes three changes for Scotland v Italy

Cameron Redpath, George Horne and Andy Christie start for Scotland in Rome

"Happyish" head coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to Scotland's line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match away to Italy.

The Calcutta Cup winners have replaced injured Sione Tuipulotu with Cameron Redpath at inside centre.

George Horne takes over at scrum-half from Ben White, who Townsend explained was being given the chance to "recharge".

And, in the back row, Andy Christie comes in for benched Jamie Ritchie.

Another back-rower, Matt Fagerson, scrum-half Ali Price and wing Kyle Rowe come into the squad as Ritchie's fellow replacements.

Scotland, who have won their past 13 Tests against the Azzurri, beat Wales in Cardiff on matchday one, lost at home to France the following week and then defeated England at Murrayfield. They trail championship leaders Ireland by six points.

• 'Scotland will be wary of Quesada's galvanised Italy'

• All the news, views & updates on Scottish rugby

• Listen to the BBC Scotland rugby podcast

Redpath wins his 13th cap, Horne his 29th and Christie his seventh.

"We just feel that Ben has played a lot of rugby," said Townsend. "I think he's only missed one game since October. Going back and forth to Toulon during this period, something's got to give. We feel this week's the best week for him to recharge.

"Sione's a massive part of our squad off the field. He's one of our leaders. He's a wise man for someone who isn't that old. He's one of our defence leaders. Yes, we miss him but Cam is in the defensive leadership group. He's been in great form.

"We just feel Andy, with the potential way this game's going to be played - more ball in play, getting ball carriers on the ball as often as possible, that's what Andy brings."

Italy were a missed conversion away from winning away at 14-man France in round three.

"They've been improving for some time," Townsend said.

"It's a team that's been very competitive against any team in the Six Nations. We know this is going to be one of our biggest Tests this season.

"Happyish. In terms of performance, we're a little bit away from what we know what we can deliver. There's still a lot more to come from us.

"[There's] a lot to play for this weekend and the following weekend in Dublin."

Scotland: Kinghorn, Steyn, Jones, Redpath, Van der Merwe, Russell (co-capt), Horne; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Gilchrist, Cummings, Christie, Darge (co-capt), Dempsey.

Replacements: Ashman, Hepburn, Millar-Mills, Skinner, Ritchie, M Fagerson, Price, Rowe.