Talking points ahead of Scotland’s Six Nations match with Italy
The sides face each other in Rome on Saturday.
Scotland take on Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday hoping to pick up their first win of this year’s Guinness Six Nations.
Here PA’s Andy Newport takes a look at the big talking points ahead of the Rome clash.
Townsend under pressure
Hogg’s spill ride
New captain Stuart Hogg asked to be given the responsibility of leadership before the tournament kicked-off but so far he appears to be struggling with the weight of the armband. The star full-back blew a certain try in Dublin when he dropped the ball on the tryline while another slip led to England’s winning touchdown. But he took more care to plant down while scoring for club side Exeter against Gloucester last weekend and will now be hoping to make amends for his national side in the Eternal City.
Cummings in command
Azzurri’s awful run
Italy are have gone five years since their last Six Nations win against the Scots at Murrayfield. Their miserable run has continued so far this year but while they slumped heavily in their opener against Wales, there were signs of progress under interim coach Franco Smith against tournament favourites France two weeks ago as they scored three times in a 35-22 defeat. As ever, they will be gunning for the Scots as they eye their best hope of snatching a long awaited win.
