Scottish Rugby

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Scotland sustained a fourth straight defeat in this year's Six Nations Under-20s Championship against Italy in Treviso.

The Scots fell behind to Piero Gritti's try under the posts, with Martino Pucciarello adding the conversion.

However, after Hector Patterson and Euan McVie had charged down Mattia Jimenez's kick, McVie grounded and Isaac Coates added the conversion to make it seven all.

Fergus Watson then held off challenges to touch down in the left corner, setting up another Coates conversion that gave Scotland a seven-point half-time lead.

Italy responded with Gritti stealing away from a ruck for his second try and Pucciarello converting.

Nicholas Gasperini was next to cross for the hosts after they forced their way over in the right corner. Pucciarello continued his accuracy with the boot.

The power of the Italian ruck was apparent again as Gasperini forced his second try in a similar area for the bonus point. Pucciarello added another two points.

Italy were beginning to overwhelm Scotland and Belloni received Pucciarello's pass to race through a gap for their fifth score but Pucciarello was unsuccessful with his fifth conversion attempt.

Marco Scalabrin beat Jack Hocking to Lorenzo Cailio's up and under to register Italy's sixth try, Pucciarello converting.

And, after Scotland's Luke Coulston had been sin binned, Patrick de Villiers crossed for the hosts' final score, Pucciarello making it 47-14.

Scotland Under-20s finish against Ireland in Cork on 15 March, when Italy visit Wales.

Italy: Belloni, Scalabrin, Fusari, Bozzo, Imberti, Pucciarello, Jimenez; Pellicciolo, Gasperini, Ascari, Midena, Gritti, Zucconi, Bellucci, Botturi (capt).

Replacements: Padoan, Pisani, Gallorini, Milano, Paganin, Casilio, Bini, De Villiers.

Scotland: Hocking, Doyle, Gwynn, Thomson, Watson, Coates, Patterson; Deans, Blyth-Lafferty, Norrie, McVie, Burke, Hart (capt), Douglas, Currie.

Replacements: Parry, Smyth, Whitefield, Coulston, Morris, Lock, Urwin, Ventisei.

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Co-captain Rory Darge has emphasised Scotland's only focus is leaving Italy with another Six Nations victory.

Before the penultimate round of games, the Scots have won two of their three championship games and are second in the league, six points behind Ireland, who are chasing a Grand Slam.

The only other time Darge had played at Stadio Olimpico was in front of 41,214 fans two years prior, in a 33-22 triumph. This time out there will be a capacity crowd of 70,000.

"Italy are a really good side," said Darge. “We saw that against France, and they’re obviously playing at home where they’ll have a really good atmosphere and good backing.

"The Stadio Olimpico is different but the Scotland fans always travel well for this one, so that will be massive for us.

"It’s a long walk from the changing room but it’s a cool stadium. Inside the changing room, on the walk in, with all the jerseys on the wall and stuff like that, there’s a lot of history behind it, so it’s a cool place to be playing rugby."

The game will have extra flavour because Duhan van der Merwe enters it with 26 international tries, one fewer than the county's record held by Stuart Hogg.

And flanker Darge said: "I know one of Duhi’s tries in particular [his second one against England] was off our defensive efforts and then the turnover attack, so if we do get ourselves right, then we can put guys like that in.

"He’s obviously a great finisher. Sometimes you only need to give him half a chance and he comes away with a chance, so it [the record] could happen.

"It would be a nice place for him to do it but I don’t think he’ll have too much of his mind set on that.

"Around training and around camp, he’s always quite laidback but when he gets out there he’s a Test match animal and it’s class to be able to play with him.

"He’ll just be focused on his role and he might come away with a couple but we’ll have to wait and see. I’m sure Italy will put us under a lot of pressure."

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Saturday is potentially a historic weekend for Duhan van der Merwe with the Scotland wing just one try away from Stuart Hogg's all-time record of 27.

The South-Africa born back said after defeating England 30-21 two weeks ago that the try record was "something he was aiming for going into this Six Nations".

Van der Merwe first made an appearance in a Scotland shirt against Georgia in 2020, marking his debut with a try.

It has only taken him four years to come within touching distance of the record it took Hogg 10 years to set.

Will the 28-year-old be able to reach the feat or even beat it in Rome?

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Italy captain Michele Lamaro believes Scotland are "one of the best teams in the world" and in order to get a much needed win for the Italians they must "stay together".

Although they were in the running for victory at Murrayfield a year ago before Blair Kinghorn's late try for the hosts put an end to the visitors' hopes. Italy have lost 13 Tests in a row against the Scots.

"We’ve known for a long time that Scotland are one of the best teams in the world, and in this Six Nations they’ve given yet more proof of this,” said Lamaro.

"They are a team who play an attractive brand of rugby that is difficult to defend. We need to stay together and try to put them under pressure.

"We know that if we play to our best level, we can compete in this game."

Italy drew 13-13 with France in round three and would have won had Paolo Garbisi's last-minute penalty split the posts instead of bouncing off one.

"We managed to draw in France, but the previous week we had been on the floor after losing 36-0 to Ireland," pointed out the Benetton back-rower Lamaro.

"The perception is that one week we are heroes, the next we are a word that it’s probably better I don’t say. Those perceptions do not reflect reality. There are always going to be highs and lows in a team’s journey, but I believe we are heading in the right direction.

"We are growing little by little and we certainly have more chance of winning a game now than was the case two years ago or even last year.

"But we need to remember that before the game against Wales last year [a 29-17 home defeat], we were having more or less the same conversation.

"And then in the game, we saw that there were still many things that we needed to improve.

"It’s not something that happens overnight, we need to grow slowly and never get carried away, because every time we have got carried away and believed ourselves to be on the verge of taking that next step forward, we’ve always found ourselves with our face on the floor.

"If we want to be competitive and cause difficulties for other teams, we need to fight with everything that is in us and put the best version of ourselves on the field."

With the teams announced and Scotland having arrived in Rome, let's take a look at some memorable meetings on Italian soil from previous years.

Scotland have won their past 13 Tests with the Azzurri and 28 of 36 overall, with the first head-to-head back in 1996.

27 February 2016: Italy 20-36 Scotland

While the current winning streak began with home and away wins in 2015 Rugby World Cup warm-ups, Scotland travelled to Rome the following year seeking a first Six Nations victory in 10 attempts.

Despite Italy's comeback while Finn Russell and WP Nel were sin-binned, the Scots secured a long-awaited win. Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw kicked 21 points and tries from John Barclay, John Hardie and Tommy Seymour kept the hosts at bay.

17 March 2018: Italy 27-29 Scotland

A nail-biting clash as Italy led at half-time and looked on course for a first Six Nations win since 2015, but Laidlaw was on hand to ensure that did not happen on his watch.

Despite Scotland's Fraser Brown scoring the first try of the game, Italy were quick to respond, putting the visitors under real pressure with former Scotland Under-20 player Tommaso Allan contributing 22 points for the Azzurri. Laidlaw's last-minute penalty secured victory for the Scots, a first on the road since the same fixture in 2016.

12 March 2022: Italy 22-33 Scotland

Gregor Townsend's men had a point to prove following successive defeats against France and Wales. After a sticky opening quarter, Sam Johnson got the visitors on the board and Scotland soon found their rhythm, with Chris Harris, Darcy Graham and Stuart Hogg all crossing. Italy did not make it easy for them and winger Ange Capuozzo added a double in the closing stages.

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We asked for your views on the Scotland team Gregor Townsend has selected for Saturday's crucial Six Nations game in Italy.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Olivia: No Johnny Matthews yet again? As the highest try scorer in the URC this season he surely should be given a shot of the bench as the ‘super sub’ he has been. Really disappointing to see he is not being given a chance, bear in mind he scored on his Scotland debut. Can only hope he gets an opportunity soon.

Allan: Good to see George Horne in at nine, he brings real pace to the team. We miss the Gray brothers and Sione Tuipulotu is a big miss, but Cam Redpath is a quality player. We still have a strong side. Italy will be a handful, they have been playing well, but we look like we have a good 23 on the day and provided our set-pieces are okay, we should win.

David: Delighted Andy Christie starts, really deserves his place eventually. Bit confused as to why Ben White's been dropped, he's been outstanding so far but Horne is a decent player. Think the rest of the team was more or less predicted.

Gillian: Delighted that Redpath and Christie have been given a chance. Can’t help but ask why no Matthews or Stafford McDowall. Glad that Kyle Rowe is on the bench but think he deserves a starting spot.

Dave: Yes on the whole! Six-two split is the only way forward. I think Ben Healy is great... he needs some appreciation. I'd even be willing to drop Finn Russell for Healy against Ireland, just because they would never expect it. However, Townsend needs to get on board with big men win games - 7ft, 21-year-old needs to be brought into training from Edinburgh.

PK: It is strange being a Scottish rugby supporter and not having feeling dread when you see one of your top players hobble off the park. It is different this year - we have strength and depth. Three changes to the starting 15 and no obvious drop of strength, skill and power in the team. Might be the first time I have ever thought that.

Garry Aitken: Hard to believe that Hamish Watson isn’t at least on the bench. Did they not see his magnificent performance last weekend for Edinburgh?

Michael: Agree with the changes, although Ali Price should not be near the squad. He's clearly one of Townsend's favourites otherwise he wouldn't have been put on loan to Edinburgh.

Ginger Farmer: I think McDowall deserved a start. While Redpath was good in attack, he was guilty at England's second try, so has a wee bit of work to do. Would like to think McDowall would be more robust in defence and more potent in attack. Hard to argue against the rationale of the other decisions.

Rob Kohler: Still a strong Scottish team. But we will have to be on it from the start. Italy are a good team now and have been unlucky this year. It will be a tight game.

Tom English and Andy Burke discuss Gregor Townsend’s team selection to face Italy in Rome in Scotland's penultimate Six Nations match.

Give it a listen here.

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Gregor Townsend is confident George Horne can deliver for Scotland in his first test start since 2019.

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

"George has performed a role for us off the bench really well, he brings energy, skill, he’s very competitive," Townsend said.

"He’s been a starter now for Glasgow for the last two seasons so we’re very confident that he can deliver a performance that brings about the best in him but also the best in others.

"Also having Ali [Price] who is playing more rugby than ever at Edinburgh on the bench shows that we can change our game. We can bring on more experience in that second half."

When asked why he opted for a 6-2 split between forwards and backs on the bench for the first time this season, Townsend said Blair Kinghorn being fully fit played its part in the decision.

"Against England, it would have been a risk to have put pressure on him for 80 minutes knowing he had to cover a couple of positions which means in a training week he would not be subbed off," Townsend said.

"He's in a much better shape this week, he played really well for Toulouse at the weekend, he's had no issues with his knee or his back, and he can step into the 10 role really well.

"He's doing it within games at Toulouse and he's done it for us, so we think this is an ideal opportunity to get those six forwards involved."

Three changes for Scotland as they travel to Rome - what do you make of them?

Do you think George Horne should start ahead of Ali Price and Ben White? What do you make of Cameron Redpath and Andy Christie getting their starts at last?

Have your say here.

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One man who might be more gutted than most at the news of Sione Tuipulotu's injury is Huw Jones.

The Glasgow and Scotland pair have dovetailed nicely for club and country in recent times, slicing defence after defence apart with their instinctive partnership.

However, Gregor Townsend will have to do without Tuipulotu for the remainder of the Six Nations championship after the centre was ruled out for at least eight weeks.

Despite Tuipluotu's absence, Jones has backed Scotland's other centres to step up.

"Me and Sione do have a very good partnership and we play a lot together, but we're always training with the group here," Jones said. "Within drills, you're getting plenty of reps with the other centres.

"You have to be pretty adaptable. Cam [Redpath]'s come off the bench the last couple of games, so I've played with him a bit. I've played with 'Staff' [McDowall] quite a lot at Glasgow. It is a shame to lose Sione, but we should make it so it's not much of a difference. The way we train should translate onto the field."

Redpath and McDowall are the frontrunners to face Italy on Saturday, while Northampton's Rory Hutchinson is also in the squad.

The expectation is that Redpath will start, with the 24-year-old partnering Finn Russell at Premiership side Bath. However, one-cap McDowall has impressed hugely for Glasgow this season.

"Staff has been brilliant, he's taken real strides in his game," Jones said. "He's a massive guy, but his physicality has improved over the last couple of seasons hugely. He imposes himself really well defensively.

"He's a good leader, he's captained Glasgow a few times now and he's always been a good distributor. I think he might have played 10 a bit growing up. He's got a good left boot and a really good pass on him. He's now added his ball-carrying ability.

"He's improved massively and he's been huge for Glasgow in the last few seasons but especially the last couple of weeks. He's becoming a threat to my position, which is great for competition. It spurs me on to be better. He's become a brilliant player."

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Scotland Under-20s are without captain Liam McConnell for their Six Nations trip to Italy on Friday night.

The blindside flanker picked up an injury in the loss to England and will miss out on the penultimate game of the tournament, with Scotland yet to register a win.

Geordie Gwynn and Ruaraidh Hart are co-captains in his place, leading a team that has six changes to the side that lost to England two weeks ago.

Jack Hocking comes in at fullback, while winger Finlay Doyle and inside centre Findlay Thomson make their first appearances of the tournament.

Hector Patterson replaces Murdoch Lock at scrum-half, while Ryan Burke and Tom Currie start at second-row and number eight respectively.

Kerr Johnstone, Kerr Yule and Amena Caqusau are rested, while Jonny Morris drops to the bench.

Newcastle Falcons second-row Luke Coulston could make his Scotland age-grade debut from the bench.

Scotland under-20s: Hocking, Doyle, Gwynn (co-capt), Thomson, Watson, Coates, Patterson; Deans, J Blyth-Lafferty, Norrie, McVie, Burke, Hart (co-capt), Douglas, Currie.

Replacements: Parry, Smyth, Whitefield, Coulston, Morris, Lock, Urwin, Ventisei.

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Ben Afshar has penned his first full-time professional contract at Glasgow Warriors after enjoying a breakthrough debut season.

Following in the footsteps of fellow youngster Gregor Hiddleston, the scrum-half makes the step up from a partnership contract with Super Series side Stirling Wolves.

Afshar had a whirlwind 2023. He captained Scotland Under-20s, before breaking into the Glasgow senior set-up to make his debut against Ulster in November.

The 20-year-old has made eight appearances so far this season, including a URC start against Dragons last month in which he scored his first try for the club.

“I’m over the moon to be honest,” Afshar told Glasgow's club media. “It’s been a bit of a crazy year – to get so much game time and experience playing for Glasgow Warriors is beyond what I’d dreamed of this year, and I’m so excited to be here for the foreseeable future.

“The environment here is top-class. I love coming in to train here, it’s such a good group of boys and the coaching group is so good at identifying areas where I can improve and feeding back to me.

“Making my debut was an unforgettable experience for me and scoring my first try against the Dragons was unbelievable."

Head coach Franco Smith added: “Ben has applied himself well throughout this season so far, and has taken his opportunities with both hands when they have presented themselves.

“He is a young man who is keen to learn and become the best version of himself on and off the field, continually looking to work with his peers and coaches around how to improve his game."

Duncan Weir joins Tom English and Andy Burke before Scotland face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.

• Listen to the full episode of the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast here.

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Scotland are under no illusions about the size of the task they face when they travel to Rome to face Italy on Saturday, according to assistant coach Pete Horne.

Italy suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand and hosts France at last year's World Cup in a disappointing tournament, and have lost to England and Ireland in this year's Six Nations.

Gonzalo Quesada's side played out a dramatic draw against France last time out though, and Horne believes that is a better reflection of their true ability.

"We were all gobsmacked with what happened to Italy in the World Cup because they're a really good team," Horne admitted. "Last Six Nations, they were right up there with Ireland and ourselves at the top of all the attack stats.

"They just had a few little meltdown moments in games that would cost them. Then in the World Cup, they had those two games that just wasn't them. Now they're back to showing exactly what they're about.

"They've got a new head coach, who's made them a little bit more pragmatic which is definitely going to help them going forward. They've still got that cutting edge and they've got some X-factor players out there like [Monty] Ioane and [Ange] Capuozzo, who are very good players."

"I love going over to Rome. It's a really good, hostile crowd. They get so fired up, it's hard not to get wrapped up in it and it makes it a real confrontational, ferocious game."

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Scotland assistant coach Pete Horne has backed Cameron Redpath to step up if selected against Italy, after Sione Tuipulotu was ruled out for the remainder of the Six Nations.

Redpath, 24, has come off the bench in all three of Scotland's games so far and has only ever started one Six Nations game - in the 2021 Calcutta Cup win at Twickenham, also his international debut.

Despite that relative lack of international experience, Horne has no doubts that the Bath centre will shine in Rome on Saturday if given the nod.

"Cam was outstanding off the bench last week," Horne said. "He's been pushing the boys that have been starting really hard for an opportunity for a long time and it's great to see.

"He's having a great season, him and Finn[Russell] have been going really well together, he's playing really well for Bath, he's very highly regarded down at Bath, speaking to their coaches.

"He's just got something about him, he's like a Test-match animal, he's got real X-factor. If he gets the nod this weekend, we'll all be really excited to see him play."