Scotland secure convincing win over Italy in Six Nations opener

Scotland 31-19 Italy, Edinburgh

Scotland delivered an impressive attacking display to claim victory over Italy in their opening match of the Guinness Men's Six Nations at Murrayfield.

The hosts started strong, demonstrating precision and pace to dismantle the Azzurri in a high-scoring encounter.

Gregor Townsend's men wasted no time asserting their authority, opting for an aggressive approach rather than an early penalty kick. Their bold decision paid off when co-captain Rory Darge powered over the try line, with Finn Russell successfully adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Within minutes, Scotland doubled their advantage. A perfectly executed backline move saw fullback Blair Kinghorn set up Duhan van der Merwe, who unselfishly offloaded inside. Despite Italian interference, the ball fell into the hands of Huw Jones, who capitalized on the opportunity. Russell’s conversion extended the lead to 14-0.

Italy responded through Tommaso Allan, who converted two penalties following Scottish infractions, narrowing the gap to 14-6. However, Scotland’s forwards soon joined the scoring spree. Hooker Dave Cherry executed a precise offload while being tackled, allowing scrum-half Ben White to cross for Scotland’s third try, establishing a 19-6 advantage.

Despite Scotland’s dominance, Allan remained Italy’s main weapon, adding another three points early in the second half. The game took a dramatic turn when Juan Ignacio Brex intercepted a Russell pass and sprinted from halfway to score under the posts. Allan’s conversion suddenly brought Italy level, making it 19-19.

The match hung in the balance as both teams fought for control. Scotland introduced fresh legs, including George Horne, Tom Jordan, and Gregor Brown, hoping to reignite their attack.

The breakthrough moment arrived when Darcy Graham produced a dazzling run, evading multiple defenders before setting up Jones for his second try of the match. Russell’s conversion restored Scotland’s lead at 26-19.

Sensing victory, Scotland pressed on. Jones completed his hat-trick after a sharp step inside Paolo Garbisi, stretching the lead to 31-19. Although Italy launched a late offensive, an untimely knock-on ended their hopes of a comeback.

Scotland now turn their attention to a crucial clash against defending champions Ireland in Edinburgh, while Italy will aim to regroup ahead of their home fixture against Wales. Both teams showed promise, but Scotland's clinical execution ensured a victorious start to their Six Nations campaign.

Team line up:

Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Jones, McDowall, Van der Merwe; Russell (co-capt), White; Schoeman, Cherry, Z Fagerson, J Gray, Gilchrist, Ritchie, Darge (co-capt), M Fagerson

Reserves: Ashman, Sutherland, Hurd, Brown, Dempsey, G Horne, Jordan, Rowe

Italy: Allan; Capuozzo, Brex, Menoncello, Ioane; P Garbisi, Page-Relo; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, Lamb, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (capt), L Cannone

Reserves: Lucchesi, Rizzoli, Riccioni, N Cannone, Zuliani, Vintcent, A Garbisi, Gesi