Scotland name team to face Italy in Six Nations

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named his matchday squad for the Six Nations opener against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico.

Several attacking regulars are not in the starting lineup, with Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie selected in the backline while Darcy Graham is among the replacements.

Ben White starts at scrum-half alongside Finn Russell at fly-half. Captain Sione Tuipulotu partners Huw Jones in midfield, with Tom Jordan selected at full-back.

Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman and Zander Fagerson form the front row. Scott Cummings and Grant Gilchrist are named in the second row, while Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey make up the back row.

Townsend has opted for a 5–3 bench split. George Horne, Adam Hastings and Darcy Graham provide backline cover among the replacements.

Scotland XV: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Scott Cummings, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman

Reserves: 16 George Turner, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 George Horne, 22 Adam Hastings, 23 Darcy Graham