Scotland achieved a 31-19 triumph against Italy in their opening match of the Six Nations at Murrayfield Stadium. The game was notably marked by a hat-trick from center Huw Jones, whose exceptional performance played a crucial role in securing the victory for the Scottish team.
Scotland commenced the match with great vigor, as co-captain Rory Darge scored a try shortly after the kickoff, followed by Jones’s initial try, which propelled them to a 14-0 advantage within the first ten minutes. Nevertheless, a succession of mistakes and penalties permitted Italy to stay in contention. Italian fly-half Tomasso Allan took advantage of Scotland’s lack of discipline, reducing the deficit with successful penalty conversions. A try from center Juan Ignacio Brex leveled the score at 19-19 early in the second half. Subsequently, Jones contributed two additional tries in the third quarter, ultimately securing the win for Scotland.
Scotland’s initial superiority was marked by proficient offensive strategies and rapid ball movement, which enabled them to breach Italy’s defensive line. Nevertheless, moments of indiscipline and errors in ball handling interrupted their flow, granting Italy chances to exert pressure. Italy demonstrated resilience by taking advantage of Scottish errors; however, they faced challenges in sustaining a consistent offensive effort, especially during the closing stages of the match. Scotland achieved a bonus-point victory; however, the match revealed certain aspects that need improvement, especially in terms of discipline and consistency. As they gear up to confront Ireland next, it is essential to tackle these concerns. Italy showcased notable resilience and will seek to enhance this performance in their forthcoming match against Wales.
15. Blair Kinghorn. 8/10
Another solid performance. The Toulouse man commanded the Edinburgh air masterfully. Turning an attacking Italian kick into front foot possession for the Scots. The Fullback carried the ball 18 times throughout the match.
13. Darcy Graham. 7/10
The flying Scotsman was at it again. Finding gaps that nobody else could see. A fantastic try assist to aid Huw Jones in attaining his hat trick. The winger can find propulsion from anywhere and is so crucial to Scotland’s success in the wide channels.
13. Huw Jones. 9/10
The hatrick hero. Questions were asked before the game about the outside centre’s ability to find space without his partner in crime Sione Tuipulotu. He put that question to bed, beating Italian players masterfully all across the pitch.
12. Stafford McDowall. 6/10
Maybe slightly overshadowed by his centre partner as not much was seen from the old Merchistion boy. Nevertheless it was a solid performance by maintaining structure in the Scottish backline.
11. Duhan Van Der Merwe. 7/10
No 50 metre rampages from the big winger, but he certainly did his job assisting Huw Jones with his first try. He will be hoping for more space against the Irish in the next round.
10. Finn Russell. 6/10
He gave Scotland great attacking shape in the first quarter. However he threw a howler of a pass that allowed Ignacio Brex a run in try that leveled the game. Not his best performance but the job was done.
9. Ben White. 7/10
He kicked brilliantly once again. Scored a try and kept the game moving efficiently.
8. Matt Fagerson. 7/10
Powerful in attack and defence. Strong at the breakdown. 10 tackles over the course of the match.
7. Rory Darge. 8/10
Darge was leading from the front. He got Scotland underway with their first try, carried very effectively getting his arms free to allow offloads. A demon at the break down with a couple of turnovers. A captain’s performance from a high calibre player.
6. Jamie Ritchie. 6/10
A quiet day for the flanker. His workrate once again was of a great standard.
5. Jonny Gray. 6/10
Gray will be pleased with his return to international rugby. 2 years ago he was held in high regard for his defensive efforts. He maintained that reputation on Saturday.
4. Grant Gilchrist. 6.5/10
Did his job. Scotland’s lineout worked effectively.
3. Zander Fagerson. 6.5/10
The prop was the best ball carrying prop in the autumn nation series and once again he was great in round one. He will be eyeing up the Irish scrum at the weekend.
2. Dave Cherry. 7/10
Throwing darts in the lineout and a try assist for Ben White’s score. He got the nod over Ewan Ashman to start the game to the dismay of many Scotland fans. However, he showed what he can do.
1. Pierre Schoeman. 7/10
The Scottish scrum was substandard. The prop carried well as “Schoooooeeeee” was heard 15 times ringing around Murrayfield. Despite Scotland getting their bonus point win on Saturday, they left tries out there in their Six Nations opener on Saturday.