Jamie Ritchie set for Scotland’s Italian job

Head coach Gregor Townsend announced his starting side for the game on Thursday afternoon, once which he hopes will bring about a first win of the campaign.

Fellow ex-Howe of Fife player George Horne begins from the bench

Townsend said: “Italy are always a very tough opponent, especially in Rome, where we know they’ll look to play with a huge amount of energy.

“It’s a different Italy team to the one we’ve played in the past. In their opening two games of the championship they have played with real ambition and width.

“They’ve also selected athletic, ball players who suit this strategy and are comfortable playing at a high tempo.”

Scotland have won 22 of the 30 tests between the two but the odds are more stacked when they meet in Italy, with the contests level on six apiece thanks to a recent run of four consecutive away wins.

Pic by Getty/Mike Hewitt.