Scotland vs Italy LIVE: Six Nations result and reaction as title-chasing hosts start with hard-fought win
Scotland 31-19 Italy: Scotland raced into an early lead but the Azzurri fought back to 19-19 before the hosts pulled away late on
Scotland have hope of mounting a Six Nations title challenge as they embark on a fresh campaign against Italy.
While optimism has been punctured somewhat by a string of untimely injuries, Gregor Townsend’s settled squad are confident that they can build on their development over the last few years and back up big performances to challenge for a long-awaited title. In the absence of captain Sione Tuipulotu, all-action openside Rory Darge and star fly half Finn Russell lead the hosts into a first battle with a visiting team that enjoyed a tournament to remember in 2024.
Two wins and a draw last year marked Italy’s best performance in 25 years as a constituent part of this championship. Many of the faces remain the same as Gonzalo Quesada seeks yet more progress with belief that his side’s days scrabbling for the wooden spoon may be at an end. An opening weekend win in Edinburgh would be quite the statement of intent...
Relive all the action from Murrayfield in our live blog below:
Scotland 26-19 Italy, 65 mins
Nearly more Graham magic as he slips through another gap but great tap tackle by Vintcent and then a follow-up hit forces the knock-on.
That Scotland try secured the bonus point by the way but they’ve still got a game to win here.
TRY! Scotland 26-19 Italy (Huw Jones, 62 mins)
OH DARCY GRAHAM - THAT IS MAGIC! Out of nothing, Graham weaves and darts between defenders in his own half and accelerates through a gap.
He draws the last man, throws the perfectly-timed pass to Huw Jones, who trots in for his second try of the day. Russell nails the conversion and Scotland lead by seven
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 60 mins
Vintcent carries into traffic and he’s held up by Darge and Dempsey. Good defensive work to earn Scotland the scrum.
Exeter man Vintcent not the biggest No 8 and got caught out there - he’s far more effective in space as he’s incredibly quick for a No 8.
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 59 mins
Clean Scotland lineout. Just about... Horne, on at scrum half, thumps clear towards halfway. This game is right in the balance.
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 58 mins
Dancing feet from Kinghorn as he returns an overhit Page-Relo box-kick. But Scotland then knock-on on halfway - Italy scrum.
Their pack have had control in this facet and that continues despite both packs having made changes. Free-kick to the Azzurri - nice kick over the top, bounces into touch in the Scottish 22.
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 56 mins
Sutherland takes it at the back of the lineout and Jones barrels into the 22. But again, great breakdown work by Italy as Brex and Menoncello combine for the turnover. The Azzurri successfully exit again.
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 54 mins
Russell spins and slips between tackles to put Scotland on the back foot before Ashman carries hard. He’s one of a number of replacements from both sides who entered the fray a minute or two ago.
Is the pressure growing on Scotland...? McDowall knocks the ball on in midfield - Italian scrum. Ah! Word from the TMO, a late hit on Russell by Lorenzo Cannone, so a Scotland penalty instead, just inside their own half.
Scotland now have a lineout platform in the 22
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 52 mins
Suddenly there’s a bizz and belief about Italy. Menoncello gets to the outside and storms into Scottish half but he forces the offload and it’s knocked on.
The Azzurri are right in this match now and they know it.
Scotland 19-19 Italy, 51 mins
Wow. Scotland turn down the three points and go to the corner.
Throw to the back, secured and Scotland within five metres. They dart a couple of times and Darge snipes but he goes alone, Fischetti gets his hands on the ball at the breakdown and it’s a turnover! Huge!
Italy clear and Scotland squander the opportunity.
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