News & Features International Scotland Men

Preview: Scotland v Italy

27 Jul 2023

Scotland host Italy in the first match of The Famous Grouse Nations Series at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday (kick off 3.15pm).

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JULY 26: Rory Darge during a Scotland rugby training session at the Oriam, on July 26, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

What they said

Head Coach Gregor Townsend: “It’s an opportunity to win for your country, they (the players) can’t look further ahead than that.

“They’re impressing us by what they’re doing in training.

“When you get the opportunity to play for Scotland, it’s not just about running out and wearing that jersey, it’s about winning.

“We have to raise our game from our final Guinness Six Nations game which was against Italy, who are a really good side, and we feel we’ve raised that in training.”

The Team

Rory Darge captains Scotland at senior level for the first time, having previously captained Scotland U20.

Stafford McDowall earns his first cap at inside centre, whilst Cameron Henderson could make his first appearance from the bench.

The Stats

Scotland have won each of their last 12 Test matches against Italy, with each of their last six such victories having come by margins of more than 10 points – Scotland have scored 3+ tries in each of their last 11 Test matches against Italy.
Scotland have won three of their last four Test matches at Murrayfield including their most recent fixture, which was against Italy (26-14 in March 2023) – each of Scotland’s last four home wins have come by margins of 12+ points.
Scotland were the only side with a tackle success rate of over 90% in this year’s Six Nations (92%) and were also one of just two sides to concede fewer than two points per opposition 22 entry (1.7).

Tickets

Tickets for the game are still available HERE priced from £26.25 for adults, £13.13 for under 18s and under 12s go free with a paying adult if you purchase before midnight on Thursday 27 July.

Is it on TV?

All of Scotland’s matches this summer will be shown live on Amazon Prime Video in the UK.

Who’s next?

Scotland are back on home turf next Saturday, when they host the number two side in the world, France. That game also kicks off at 3.15pm and tickets are available HERE.