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Key events
But the Scots know how to belt out a tune of their own. And there’s a bagpipe player on the roof! I know he’s always there but still worth a mention. Now the crowd goes acapella for the last bits of Flower of Scotland. Love it!
That Italian anthem. Every time. So good!
Conditions look good. Both teams have pace to burn so hopefully that means a show.
Five minutes to go. The players are filing through the tunnel.
Stuart Hogg is pitch-side chatting about his ankle:
It’s not as bad as first feared. These things happen in rugby. I’m hoping it’s around four to six weeks. That’s what the doc tells me. Hopefully it’ll be a lot less.
It was incredible [playing his 100th Test for his country]. I absolutely loved it. To see my little man run out there with the match ball, that was absolute quality.
Time flies when you’re having fun and [his first game] was 11 years ago.
Ollie [Smith, his replacement] is a class act. He’s really challenged me to get the 15 jersey and it’s perked me up a bit. Hopefully he gets a lot of ball in hand and shows what he can do.
This doesn’t involve our game today, but it’s worth sharing.
ITV is showing highlights from Italy’s win over Wales last year. I was there, reporting on the game, and it was just sensational. One of the most emotional finishes I’d ever seen. Don’t count on them doing something similar today.
Gregor Townsend is not taking Italy lightly:
We’re very weary. They were close to beating Ireland and France. They move the ball from everywhere and they’ve got nothing to lose
I’ve been banging on about the absence of Fin Russell but also worth noting that Stuart Hogg isn’t playing either.
“It would be a disaster”,” says former Scotland No. 8, John Barclay, on ITV. He’s talking about the the possibility of Scotland losing today and what that would mean for their competition as a whole.
Here’s proof that Blair can ball.
That is mauve, right?
Scotland are on an 11 game winning streak against Italy, having last lost to the Azzuri back in 2015 when a late penalty try snatched it for the men in blue (Scotland were in red then, they’re in a sort of mauve today)
Before that the contest was pretty even with Scotland winning 12 and Italy claiming seven of the previous Tests.
Capuozzo absent as Italy chase first Murrayfield win in eight years
I’m sorry to break the news if you didn’t already know but everyone’s favourite player won’t be taking part today. Ange Capuozzo, that hot-stepping wizard suffered a shoulder injury before the Wales game but that doesn’t mean Italy can’t hurt Scotland today. Paolo Garbisi at 10 is a superstar and it’s a powerful back row.
Italy: Allan; Bruno, Brex, Menoncello, Gesi; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Riccioni, Iachizzi, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro (c), L Cannone
Replacements: Manfredi, Zani, Ceccarelli, N Cannone, Pettinelli, Zuliani, A Garbisi, Morisi.
No Finn but a strong Scotland team named
Blair Kinghorn starts at 10. That’ll attract some attention. He’s no Bobby Dazzler but he’s got a turn of pace and deft hands.
Scotland: Smith; Steyn, Jones, Tuipulotu, Van der Merwe; Kinghorn, White; Schoeman, Turner, Z Fagerson, Skinner, Gray, Ritchie (c), Watson, Dempsey
Replacements: Ashman, Sutherland, Nel, Cummings, M Fagerson, Price, Healy, Redpath
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
Hello everyone! We made it. The final round of what’s been a cracking Six Nations. And, if I can get a little personal, it’s my two favourite teams in the competition. I know France and Ireland are the darlings of European rugby right now, but I just adore what the Scots and Italians are all about. It should be dashing and daring (despite the absence of Finn).
For Scotland, they have a chance to underline their status as the third best team on the continent. They haven’t had a top half finish since 2018 and a win today will secure third spot.
Italy are out to prove that last year’s win over Wales was no one hit wonder. They’ve been disappointing this campaign despite putting in some strong performances. Victory today would be some scalp and as this is their final hoorah, they’ll give it everything.
My name is Daniel, but feel free to call me Dan, we’re all friends in these parts. Drop me a line if you fancy. Looking forward to being with you over the next few hours.
Kick off is at 12:30. Teams and other bits to come.
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