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Scotland avoided any potential banana skin with a bonus point victory in Rome, further extending the hosts’ winless Six Nations run in the process.
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A double from Chris Harris plus tries from his centre partner Sam Johnson, wing Darcy Graham and captain Stuart Hogg sealed victory.
As is usually the case for Scotland in Rome, Gregor Townsend’s side didn’t have it all their own way and had to withstand a late fightback from the home side.
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In the end, it was a second win of the championship but Scotland will have to be much better to threaten Ireland in Dublin next weekend.
Here’s how the visitors side stacked up.
15. Stuart Hogg – 7.5
Unable to stop Bruno getting offload away for Italy’s first try but little he could do as Capuozzo stepped for his debut score. In attack, the captain showed his counter-attack threat in the build-up to Scotland’s opener and the bonus point score. Deserved his try.
14 Darcy Graham – 7.5
Two excellent touches in the build-up to Johnson’s try and ran a lovely inside line to score his own try, wrapping up the bonus point.
Monty Ioane loves a hit on Darcy Graham ??#ITAvSCO #guinnesssixnations pic.twitter.com/xq7cwI0zKb
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 12, 2022
13. Chris Harris – 8
Made two half breaks before showing great work-rate to collect Steyn’s chip and score his fourth international try. Finished a well-crafted team move for his fifth Scotland try.
12. Sam Johnson – 7
Marked his return with a well-taken try to open Scotland’s account. Otherwise kept quiet with Scotland often opting to kick.
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11. Kyle Steyn – 6.5
In for Duhan van der Merwe, made a solid defensive read on Bruno early before finding Harris with a pin-point kick. Will be disappointed to be beaten by Bruno as Italy scored but did well to stop namesake Braam Steyn late on.
10. Finn Russell – 7.5
Some great touches – including a trademark wide pass for Johnson’s try – but will have been relieved to see his intercepted pass go unpunished.
You will never tire of that Italian passion! ??#ITAvSCO #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/Zl1T0XR22t
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) March 12, 2022
9. Ali Price – 8.5
His best showing of the championship so far, with a well-read interception for Harris to score. His excellent break and pass put Hogg away for the visitors’ fifth try.
1. Pierre Schoeman – 7.5
Put former Edinburgh colleague Ceccarelli under pressure at the scrum. A big shift with nine tackles too.
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2. George Turner – 7.5
A barnstorming carry led to the opening try, making amends for a needless penalty for flying off his feet. A good jackal penalty too.
3. Zander Fagerson – 6.5
Put Fischetti under pressure at the scrum, giving Scotland a good platform for Harris’ second try. Five carries and eight tackles in his 60 minutes.
4. Sam Skinner – 6.5
A quiet afternoon for the Exeter man. One lineout steal towards the end the stand-out moment. Also added five tackles and the same number of carries.
5. Grant Gilchrist – 7
Does a lot of the unseen work, often carrying into heavy traffic. Got Scotland front-foot ball and added 12 tackles
6. Rory Darge – 7.5
Scotland’s best player against France showed his breakdown threat again. Won two excellent jackal penalties and also added 13 tackles.
7. Hamish Watson – 7
Back in the team after missing defeat to France, and once more led the defensive effort with 17 tackles. Kept quiet at the breakdown.
8. Matt Fagerson – 8
Back from an ankle injury and maintained his good form. Won two good turnovers as Italy attacked and threw himself into contact in close quarters. Add to that 12 tackles in 60 minutes and the Glasgow man will be pleased with his return.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Stuart McInally – 6
On for the final 20 minutes to replace Turner, but unable to have the same impact as the man he replaced.
17. Allan Dell – 6
Has slipped down the pecking order since his last cap in 2020, but was given the final 20 minutes on his return. Won a breakdown penalty.
18. WP Nel – 6
Another cap for the veteran tighthead, but doesn’t have the same impact around the field as Fagerson. Solid at the set-piece.
19. Jamie Hodgson – 5
On for the final five minutes for Skinner. Unable to make a real impression on the game.
20. Magnus Bradbury – 6.5
The Bristol-bound number eight given the final quarter of an hour, replacing Fagerson. One big carry got Scotland out of danger in the closing stages.
21. Ben Vellacott – 6.5
Has had a fine season since joining Edinburgh and won his first cap, replacing Price for the final five minutes. It felt an ideal opportunity to give him more game-time at Test level, but he upped the tempo in a lively cameo.
22. Adam Hastings – 5
A poor read as debutant Capuozzo crossed for his second try.
23. Sione Tuipulotu – 5
A starter in the last two games, he came on for Johnson in the closing stages.
