Scotland v Italy Rugby Union

20 days and counting until the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Less than 48 hours to land the Robinson mean it's -- until Andy

Robinson names his players. Watching the match with me, Donnie

Weir and Chris Paterson. You were the first player to play in four

World Cups. I have really wanted to target this World Cup. Hopefully I

will be on that flight. Some magical memories? It is great

experience. It is unique. I was very fortunate to be in three World

Cups. Hopefully Chris is going to go on to four. It is a bit like the

Olympics, you are flying the flag for Scotland and you just want to

go there on the world stage. Good luck to all the boys who are

selected. How much more does Andy Robinson need to know? We have been

training for three months. We have worked on a lot of game scenarios

in training. He will still want to know one or two cancers from this

afternoon's game. We're all a bit nervous and looking forward to it.

He will have four or five places still to fill. If it has been a

long haul for these players, hasn't it? Very much so. Some of them have

not played since April. Coming straight into September at the

beginning of September, some of the players will only have had one game.

You can be as fit and strong as you want but you need game time.

Whether one game is enough, time will tell. Ten weeks of serious

training and it is all about being selected. I believe there is a lot

of competition for places. This game is vital to the players on the

field today. There are a lot of areas for selection. Captain is one.

We do not yet have an official captain for the team. That will be

on the card today. He will have 2425 positions filled. We are

looking forward to an exciting game. Here we have the Italian coach.

have a more experienced team playing today than the one that

played against Japan. We have respect for what Scotland has done

over the last couple of years. They have beaten Ireland. We have not

beaten them since 2007 and we have had two defeats in the four years I

have been coaching. What I have said to the players is that it is

not about winning or losing, it is the quality of the performance that

matters. We were very poor on defence last Saturday. Your first

game in the World Cup is against Australia, one of the favourites.

How bigger game is up for your players today? I think, with Italy,

it is not a question of having to fight for a place. If you're

talking about someone like Sergio Parisse, he does not have to come

knocking on the door. It is more about confidence. When you're

playing against a side like Scotland, who throw everything that

you, you defence has to be properly organised through all the phases.

It is good preparation for what Australia is going to do. Their

back line is very strong, their forwards are strong as well. I

think they are second favourites going into this World Cup, and

deservedly so. Thank you. There was a doubt about whether Sir

Joe Perry said would play -- Sergio Parisse. He is one of the world

greats. Throughout the last decade he has been a -- the outstanding

player. He has won man of the match for Italy. If he does take the

field Scotland will have to watch him closely this afternoon.

Let us hear from Andy Robinson, the Scotland coach. What is the most

important thing for the squad today? Firstly, to win the game.

That is what we're about as an international side. We want to use

the fitness work that we have been working hard that during the summer.

Speed into position, speed off the line, speed and support. We're

going to be pretty physical and the contact area. Is it fair to say

that today is a chance for the guys to stick their hand up for a place

in the World Cup? Do you have the squad sorted? Every time a player

puts his shirt on it is his opportunity to show what he is

about. It is not just about individuals, it is about

partnerships. I want to see Dan Parks gel and the fullback position.

Italy are similar in many ways to go to teams your face in the lock-

Is that giving the guys more of a chance? Every time they play is an

opportunity. The likes of Kelly Brown and John Barclay, they have

had a very good pre-season and they just have to go out there and

perform. I wish you the best. Thank you.

Is it won first, then performance, then maybe answers to questions?

Every 10 we take the field, especially at Murrayfield, we aim

to win. Winning will be hugely important. There has been a big

emphasis on team strategy, how we're going to play the game. It is

more like a Six Nations competition. That result is also important.

Behind that is him finalising his squad of 30 players. He often lease

it to the last minute. He can changed his mind later on. Any of

the Gary's a play today who are on the fringes who have a good game

could well make the trip to New Zealand. He has played almost two

different teams compared to the team against Ireland. Yes, I think

there are 35 members in the squad and I think that pretty much

everyone needs game time before the World Cup commences. This is the

last warm-up game and game time is vital. Andy Robinson had to play

everyone at some stage. There is nothing else he could have done

apart from what he has done. It is quite interesting to see the

different goals. Andy Robinson, you can see he definitely wants someone

going into the World Cup. There are some good players who will not be

boarding the flight, which says a lot about what strength and depth

the team has become. It highlights what a good position we're in.

Let us go to the commentators, Andy of the most experienced players,

Castrogiovanni. There is another key man, Sergio Parisse. He had a

fever overnight but they had decided to play him. This will be a

tough test. Italy and a strong side and Sergio Parisse is truly world

class. I never get tired of watching him playing. You can see

the fans in the East Stand. There are the Scots. This is their last

chance to impress Andy Robinson. This is their last chance of a

plane ticket to the World Cup. In some ways, this is like an old-

Murrayfield. You can see the fireworks going off. These players,

dressed in white today, obviously. 14 of these guys have not played

yet this season so they are desperate to make an impact. Here

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma.

# Iddio la creo. # Fratelli d'Italia.

# L'Italia s'e desta. # Dell'elmo di Scipio.

# S'e cinta la testa. # Dov'e la vittoria?

# Le porga la chioma. # Che schiava di Roma.

# Iddio la creo. # Stringiamoci a coorte.

# Siam pronti alla morte. # Italia chiamo.

# Stringiamoci a coorte. # Siam pronti alla morte.

# O Flower of Scotland # When will we see your like again

# That fought and died for # Your wee bit hill and glen

# That stood against him # Proud Edward's army

# And sent him homeward # Tae think again

# Those days are past now # And in the past they must remain

# But we can still rise now # And be the nation again

# That stood against him # Proud Edward's army

# And sent him homeward High-heeled -- you can see a few

tense faces. No delay today, tickets have all been collected.

World Cup team. Graeme Morrison is the one player he starts this game

after playing at Ireland. Rory Lamont started just one of the last

15 of matches with a game at fullback.

And experienced back line for the Italian side are. -- Italian side.

Four of the back players play in France. Four members of the back

division were born in Argentina. And these are the players on the

bench. Euan Murray needs a run around. And the referee is Dave

Pearce and, from England. -- Dave Pearson. Here we are, at Andy Nicol,

the second and possibly final warm- up match. There may be a game in

Australia for John Barclay. He has a few people behind him. The

place safely. -- he plays it safely. Andrea Masi winning his 61st cap

today. Garcia is one of the Argentinian players. It big day for

Scotland. Rory Lamont under a bit of pressure in one of the key

positions. A good start for Scotland. Richie Vernon has got

serious gas but could not quite get away from the covering defence.

Andy Robinson will be very happy with how Scotland performed. It was

Rory Lamont with the initial break. That is Dan Parks. And he has a

chance now to just edge ahead of Ruaridh Jackson if he is to have a

decent afternoon here at Murrayfield. And Parks is now at

Cardiff. He scored four tries, 45 penalties. And this is the effect.

I think it was Derbyshire, it might be number nine, Fabio Semenzato

came off his feet. Scotland were quick and got in behind them, which

is good to see. Dan Parks with a chance to score his 46th penalty.

And he does it. Scotland are into an early lead. Be very good start

for Scotland. The sun is shining, the summer rugby we were promised

two weeks ago when it rained all through the Highland Games, and

Scotland have made a very bright The referee has pulled it back.

Bergamasco preventing the ball coming out. Mike Blair wanted to

take it quickly and that is exactly what Scotland will want to do. Mike

Blair needs to bring energy into she said. -- made by Parks. An

indication of the Scottish side want to keep the tempo high, and

Parks likes to bark orders. The is is what these games are about. --

this is what. Getting an international quality pack to

Scots to lose that. There is and Italian injured in that field. --

an Italian. We will see what the Italians can do. They referee has

penalised Moray Low for coming in and hitting a man without the ball.

He came out of the defensive line thinking the past would be made, it

never was and he came through with a tackle. I think it is Fabio

Ongaro. Max Evans takes it in, good leg drive. But the ball is strict

on the ground. Watched Moray Low, he comes in. That is bad! That is a

shoulder and Fabio Ongaro was not expecting it and felt the full

brunt of Moray Low. Fabio Ongaro was not even in the starting 22 --

in the original starting 22. But there was a late call off from

Leonardo Ghiraldini. But he is an experienced player. He is a good

player but if you know you are going to be hit, are you prepared

for it and he was not. That was a dangerous tackle from Moray Low and

I am surprised not more has been said from the referee. Robert

Barbieri, the Canadian, with that. Still trying to shrug off the

effects of that book. -- bug. Garcia playing Leicester tight

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be disappointing for the Scots, that is two turnovers in the first

seven minutes. What is happening? It is disappointing but again, the

context of this game in preparation for the World Cup, Scotland want a

really physical battle because they will get that against Romania,

Georgia, Argentina and England. So this is a good test. Dickinson just

goes in and look at the counter ruck by Italy, it is very strong.

Thatcher be a penalty against Dickinson. -- that should be. But

the referee gives the ball to Italy. Be Italians, like the Irish two

weeks ago, attacking high -- the Italians. A make it easy for the

defence when one attacker runs into two defenders -- they make it.

Scotland need to attack to get the stone 10, and he took it up and

went forward, didn't he? Good play Scots. Kelly Brown slows things

down. That was a good scrum by the Italians up on the right hand side.

Good counter ruck from Scotland to force a turnover. And you can

practise all you want but this is where it really counts. In the

tackle situation. The Scottish player but the turnover. A thing it

was Barclay. -- I think it was Barclay. That is what he does so

well. Scott Lawson of Gloucester, a contact. Dickinson! For the first

try this afternoon! Adventurous play from the Scots, Evans with

that crucial pass. Dickinson the try. They have waited just under 10

minutes, Scotland. Dickinson went in for his first try for Scotland.

Max Evans made it. A quick ball from Mike Blair, Max Evans get

tackled. He is not held and he gets up, absolutely legal, and he

offloads after Dickinson off the shoulder. Great try for the prop

forward. The man from your school with his 21st cap he gets his first

try for his country. Dickinson exactly where he is meant to be, on

the shoulder. And Parks winds this up, the Scots are looking more

very impressive. They are ahead of a very good Italian side. They had

been a lot of Italian kick-offs. -- and there have been. Perfect

conditions today. And advert for isn't he? A short ball. Barclay is

there to wrap up the ball up and there is a shout to keep it up. And

if they do, this will be good by the Scots because that man was

Evans, he gets tackled but not held. He is allowed to get up. He

offloaded to Dickinson. A good try and good player there. -- good play.

There is Max Evans, that was his fourth try. I remember seeing him

play just before he went to professional rugby. A devastating

runner and very few people can keep up with him when he is on fire.

big number of caps in the Italian Castrogiovanni has actually had 11

games against Scotland. He played in the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.

He is a heavy man. That is a scrappy scrum, well won by Scotland.

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Parks and goes for distance. -- stuffier. Is that loose? No, says

the referee. Rory Lamont has that ability just to run through the odd

tackle. There is a lot more co- ordination this week. This is good

stuff. I have been impressed with mick Bilic end the first 15 minutes.

He probably needed a delicate little chip through there. Scotland

have had up pretty impressive -- had a pretty impressive first 15

minutes. I think the pace has been impressive. They are trying to get

territory but they are also trying to make sure that they can make

passes. Nick De Luca had a half break. They are making good

decisions and executing their skills well. Much more impressive

than the first 15 minutes against Ireland. The Italians have

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shortened their line-out. They have here. The penalties are coming from

the pressure. Scotland are getting right in behind Italy. Italy are

being forced to give away penalties because, if they don't, they would

have conceded more tries. It is the Andy Robinson patter. The theory is

to try to play through the opposition and have enough people

lined up. This is the past. Simon Danielli takes it up. It is a late

pass. Because he got in behind Italy gave away the penalty which

has put Scotland in a very good position. Here is a statement of

things you will knock the ball on. There is enough enterprise here to

be encouraged. We have hardly mentioned Danielli in commentary.

Sometimes the game does not go for you as a winger. Danielli came off

the shoulder of Dan Parks but unfortunately not it on. By all

accounts, Danielli has been flying in training. I think that is still

one position up for grabs. I think that, between Simon Danielli and

Nikki Walker, it is a bit of a death match this afternoon.

wonder if Nikki Walker will get the chance to come on. A good, solid

scrum by the Italians. A very experienced front row. That was a

good scrum for Italy but a bad one for Scotland. They did not buckle

but they gave away a penalty. It would be interesting to see what

that was like from the other side. This is good practice ahead of

Romania, Georgia, Argentina and England. Exactly. Dickinson is

trying to do his best against Castrogiovanni. To be fair to

Dickinson, cast your trip -- in the line-out. A good win by the

has. He has good pace. Parks decides there sensible option is

just to get some territory. -- decides that the sensible option is.

I think Ruaridh Jackson is still ahead of him going into the World

Cup. If he continues to play like this, that could change. That is

what Dan Parks good shoe - control of the rugby ball and he plays in

the right parts of the field. That is hugely important in the World

Cup. -- that is what Dan Parks gives you.

Highly adventurous stuff from Italy. At this is good play from Andrea

It is good high-octane stuff for Scotland. There are good angles of

running. They have been working more on game strategy. I think you

can really see it. There is much more shape to Scotland's

performance, much more purpose than there was two weeks ago. They have

been doing an incredible amount of running in training, the Scots.

Much of what they're trying to-do is this continuity game, isn't it?

Late pass, keep running. They are not doing kicks to goal. If it

works, the second half could be a different story. My hamstrings are

tightening up just thinking about all that running. It looks like

they have the balance right and they have the rugby right. There is

a big difference from two weeks ago. What a great view this is. Sergio

Parisse picks it up. Everyone is having a go at this. Greg playing

by Benvenuti. He has not scored for his country. He has now. -- great

playing by Benvenuti. A great finish there by Benvenuti. Any

winger who can run in from 50 yards would be delighted. Rory Lamont

will be a bit disappointed. It is too easy to be beaten as a fullback

and wing of. -- and a winger. Benvenuti is on his eight cap. He

has made this Murrayfield crowd go lot quieter than they were a moment

ago. Bergamasco had an awful start to his kicking in the Six Nations.

Let us see what what he has done 25 minutes, in lots of ways. Now

Italy are right back in his game. Semenzato attracts a few players

into the offside position. The Italians are playing and offload

confidence with that. -- will have grown. Backs Evans just watches it

and it will be him. -- Max Evans. It was an amazing try, it started

way back. Scotland having to exert so much, and watch Kelly Brown.

Sergio Parisse gets away, he offloads to Andrea Masi. And watch

this, off the ground. Too easy, in Mike opinion. But a great try

started by the power of the scrum brother have also played for Italy.

The Scott let that bounce. -- the Scots. There is quite a wind at

Murrayfield and it does go all over the place. But nobody got it. That

is the celebration, Benvenuti for his try. Fabio Semenzato was also a

big part, but the forwards gave the platform to allowed Sergio Parisse

to get away. Benvenuti is from the Italian system which relied for a

long time are imported Argentinian players, Australian players, but

Scottish passenger is not working, but everybody is trying today.

last pass was straight off the training group. Kelly Brown took it

up and quick ball, do we could took it up, and Kelly Brown again. Nick

De Luca. Nathan Hines has been key for the last five years. Brilliant

decision-maker. Nathan Hines has made great decisions in the last

few years with his offloading and it gives Scotland a different

offloading -- a different dimension. It does not come off here, but he

gives that extra dimension to Scottish forward play and the other

players. His 11th game against Italy. Nearly 19 stone, Nathan

Hines. His grandmother is from Govan. Look at the quality of the

second row. Sometimes you cannot tell if Andy Robinson is happy or

sad, he will always look like that. He will be very happy with the

first part and may be disappointed with the last eight minutes. Look

at the front row, all Kellock and Nathan Hines. Scotland have serious

strength and depth. It is about the selection, who does he pick?

people playing for their places today are probably Simon Danielli,

who has played well. Another goods -- another good scrum by the

Italians. And this is a statement of intent by this massively

again. What are we learning here today? They are still trying things

out. This is the Italian pattern he is allowed to contest of the.

Mack he is saying he is allowed to compete for the ball. The Italians

thought it should be a penalty. He is a good referee and makes it

clear what he is looking for, a good communicator and always seems

to have control of the game. That was Andrea Masi crashing that ball

up from fullback. He is 6 ft, 15.5 stone and goes back to the rugby

World Cup in 2003 and 2007. They have played Italy 17 times and

Scotland have won 11 and Italy six. The biggest winning margin was to

the Italians in 2007. 47-15. Scotland conceded three tries in

the first five minutes, an astonishing start to a game of

rugby! And the highest point scoring in a match against Italy is

Brendan Laney. That was in 2002. Way is he now, I wonder? -- where

Rhys he. The crowd are getting into and the way they are scrummaging.

Barclay has had a good game, looking that these players.

Scotland intention early -- intentionally wield that scrum, but

Italy have real power. You can really tell in the last few scrums,

Italy are turning the screw trying to sack Scotland's energy, and that

the Glasgow Academy when he was straight. Bigger Paul Derbyshire. -

- big. Born in Italy, English FA that an Italian mother. -- English

father and an Italian mother. Scotland have the choice here.

Normally they would take the scrum but Scotland have taken the line-

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out. A wise decision after the last get that ball away. Roy Lam and did

very well with that -- Rory Lamont. Excellent play by Rory Lamont, as

you say. And the Scots slow it down. An extra pass from all Kellock. To

excuse the mistakes, it must be so difficult when you think you on the

played definitely. You do not want to get injured. This is the kick

through and you can see Garcia, Canale gets it. But look at Rory

Lamont. He is able to get in and get it. That looked like a training

ground set-up, very set-up -- very static. You have got to be ready

for it and it did not seem right. If you are going to make those

tackles, you have to be spot-on. Two weeks ago, with probably

excused some of the sloppiness and mistakes because it was the first

game of the season. There have been 14 changes, so for all the players

except Graeme Morrison, this is the first game of the season so we

maybe should have excuse some of the mistakes like we did two weeks

ago. That is the Italian box and we just saw Nick Mallett. An Oxford

Blue at cricket and rugby. But this is the problem area, if we are

being honest, this front-row battle where despite team in possession

being the weaker team, Scotland cannot really exert pressure here.

Scotland dominated the first 20 minutes but in the last 15, Italy

have turned the screw mainly in this phase of the scrum, and it has

happened again. Castrogiovanni here, a master technician. And he pleads

to the touch judge saying, and I am in legend, it cannot be me! -- I am

think, for the international game ahead of the Rugby World Cup. At

the number of reset scrums we have had in the last year. I hope we can

find some way of engaging and getting the ball in and out.

Castrogiovanni news that forward, the scrum just disintegrates. And

it is his 7th season with Leicester Tigers, at Premiership Player of

the Year 2006-2007 and he has just signed a new contract. And that is

why, he can damage scrums. certainly can and no disc -- and no

disrespect to Dickinson, but he can destroy more than him.

Castrogiovanni, the power, he is going through and that forces Moray

Low to pop up, the scrum disintegrates and a pretty simple

penalty decision from Dave Pearson. They say these are the most

valuable players in their rugby team. -- in a rugby team. A lot of

to Paris in 2003 and played for Stade Francais in 2005 with a

Heineken Cup win. Now with Racing- Metro Paris. And this is a long

kick. And he has pulled it away to the left. In the next two-and-a-

half minutes before the break, it Scotland need to -- Scotland need

to get shake back Ord -- or get back to the changing room and get

direction from the coaching staff, because they have lost it in the

last 15 minutes. Bergamasco through the gap offloaded. The Scots are

looking a bit ordinary as the Italians put pressure on. That is

good pressure. A Barclay, brilliant. John Barclay, outstanding. A lot of

chat two weeks ago about a Ross Rennie who is a good play and I

think he has a good future in Scottish rugby, but for me John

Barclay has had a fantastic last few years. He is one of the first

names on Mike team-sheet. Four years ago, he made his debut

against New Zealand at Murrayfield when Scotland played a is second

team and he went toe-to-toe with the New Zealand captain and did not

look out of play. In the last two years, he has got better and better.

26th cap in Scotland's class test. In 2007, he was the only uncapped

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Scots because the Italians were offside. If Dan Parks knew this was

a penalty, I would have preferred him to have attacked it and gone

for that try,... It was a late whistle. I do not think he knew it

was a penalty. Good pressure by police, he read the situation well.

-- Sergio Parisse. This is Scotland Achilles heel. -- Scotland's

Achilles heel. To be fair to the front row, it is

not just beckon soon in trouble. The whole of the Italian front row

is exerting pressure. Benvenuti got a try for the Italians are stop at

I six-point advantage for Scotland. Let us hear what the guys thought

of the first 40 minutes. Scotland certainly started with a pretty

commanding sure, didn't they? most important thing was the tempo

be brought to the game. Done Park played quickly and Mike Blair try

to tap quickly. When you play against Italy you have to be very

Scotland were in charge for the first 20 minutes but that right

changed things for Italy. -- that to drive. You could see that the

urgency was there in the for 20 minutes. Scotland played quickly.

Dan Parks did that well. They were struggling a little bit in the

scrum. When the backs got in they were able to manipulate Italy.

Italy cause problems in the second 20 minutes. Done Parks played with

a lot of authority early on. always does that. He is a real

positive player. He dictates the play really well. Mike Blair tries

to take the quick tap and gets pulled back. From the resulting

penalty, Dan was easily able to kick that 60 yards to set up a

great opportunity for Scotland. You great opportunity for Scotland. You

will see he is always talking to the player for and about him. In

the second section of the first half, you can see than barking the

orders. Andy mentioned that Rory might have the Jersey. Someone who

commands and plays like that makes a big difference for the team. Dan

maybe does not run like Ruaridh Jackson does. Scotland, in that

middle third, that two of three attacked and did not make the

ground they wanted to. Dan notices that the left-wing a of the

Italians is too flat. Looking ahead to Romania and Georgia, this was

the first scrum of the match. How did that go up front? It probably

was not the best time, but Italy spend a lot of time. It is one of

their strengths. You can see Sergio Parisse bringing it up. It was

controlled by Andrea Masi. Italy have done very well in the first

half. Throughout the first half, scored with a body position here.

Italy were really putting pressure on. It is a bit of a concerned

because Romania have big forwards but I think Scotland might struggle.

Dickens and scored a try for Scotland and the first half that

came from a line-out. It was a quickly-taken penalty. If you look

at how quickly the Scottish guys get in attacking position. Max

Evans fights well, gets the clear- out. Nick della CAB, Danielli,

these are the guys you want having This set-piece went well after the

liner. A great reaction by Mike Blair there. Max has been pretty

sharp. That, to me, looked like a game plan they had been trying all

along. Offloading the pass and tackle is something we have done a

lot of work on. We can see at that there were instances where the of

law did not go to hand. There it went really well. There are a

couple of instances hereof necking possession from the Italians.

competing there. There is a strong second row partnership. Italy

needed it more strength. They do not have a lot of experience. The

important part is that Scotland are getting up and making it very

difficult in the line-out. We can also see from the next line-out,

which is a Scottish ball, what a quick ball in Maine. Again, this is

a set move to bring Danielli off the line. There is another good

offload for Richie Vernon. He is working hard in contact. You can

see the pressure is on Italy there. If you hold that ball for two a

three more phases, you could get a try. Italy got themselves back in

it at a stage where Scotland were very much in charge. It was a

terrific running move, but did they get through a little too easily?

is tough to see how they actually got through. Scotland's defence was

pretty strong up until here. I would blame the backs, really.

difficulty with a scrum that far up the field, for Danielli, is whether

he should drawback or stay up. With a solid scrum, Italy make a good

decision. Two of three great of Lords. You can see Kelly Brown

being held in here a little bit. Maybe it is not always the backs'

fault. In the first 20 minutes Italy played a slow ball game.

Tactically, it did not suit them. When they picked up the speed they

can do things like that. It has changed the complexion of the game.

They are right back into it now. I think the body language of Scotland

is not what it was at the start. Scotland lost momentum at that

point, didn't they? That happens in games. Anyone across the top 10

nations will have good periods and bad periods. No-one gets an easy

ride. What we are looking for is a reaction to when things did not go

so well. You look to do your own basics very well. Scotland ended up

finishing that half with points. I look forward to the start of the

second half. How much is Andy Robinson getting from the so far?

Quite a lot. The boys have done very well. It was looking like it

could be be a side at one stage. -- Beaver topside. At the end of the

day, the players are sticking to their guns. The defence has been

spot-on, the set piece has been very good. In the scrums, it needs

to be sorted out with quick balls to allow Max Evans to be dangerous.

Let us have a look at what is coming up for Scotland just around

the corner. The first game is against Romania. I know Dougie

we're is trying to elbow you out of the side, but you must be looking

at that thinking, Bring It On, and quickly. We are looking forward to

the decision been made tomorrow. As soon as the squad is announced, if

you are in it, you want to play well and win for Scotland. It is

exciting looking at these fixtures. I think the way they are falling is

tough. With matches five days apart, that is going to be tough.

Scotland have a six-point advantage halfway through. Back to John

I cannot see any changes to the Scots team. Dickens and, we have

given him a bit of a hard time but I am not sure he is solely

responsible for what is happening in the back. There are two sides to

any scum. The tight-head is always key. A few of replacements are

happening. Cusiter I would expect to see coming off the bench. There

has been only one Italian replacement at half-time. Tommaso

D'Apice has come on. He is there in goes left. Taken down by Derbyshire.

Blair digs in. Parks has been told kind of ping-pong rugby. And nobody

have just been told. Did that go forward by Barbieri? It is a

turnover of ball, whatever. -- turnover ball. A good system by the

gone back to the penalty. Garcia did not roll away. Graeme Morrison

is the only player on the pitch for Scotland who played two weeks ago,

that tells you about his important. And he just looks away before he

did the most important thing, to catch the ball! Parks is trying to

put it in front of Morrison but it is just too far. I just want to see

Scotland's basic skills. Their passing technique and door that

side of it, I want to see that work in the second half -- and all that

side of it. A deliberate slow walk by most of these Scottish forward

players. The set piece, for Scott Lawson to throw in, has some very

is hard to tell with the World Cup around the corner if they do not

want to give too much away and dog giving standard line-outs, but they

want to take than -- and are giving. How there was not movement -- there

was not much movement for Scotland in that line-out. And if the

defending line-out get in the right position... Of they keeping the

main men for the World Cup? Are these samples? Her why would you do

that? -- why would you do that? That was too easy to defend. Man

did not move, there was no subterfuge. A couple of set pieces

and the last part of the first half and that one did not work. A big

game for the scrum number three, very big man, plays for Glasgow's.

17 stone 12. And maybe if there is one aspect of the game he needs to

work on, Moray Low, it is his scrummaging. And it is a penalty to

Scotland. Moray Low has done well in the last year. Two years ago,

Euan Murray was the standard tight- head prop and his religious

beliefs... Look at that, Dan Parks. He went for the furthest distance

possible and put it over their line, basic mistake. You always say to

you stand-off, be safe. He tries to get that screwing kick-off to the

right and it just goes touch in goal, so it is a scrum to the

Italians. Very frustrating for Andy Parisse takes the ball for a stroll,

and they win another penalty. Every team in the world will be analysing

a beggar game and people might be looking at this Italian scrum

strength and the Scottish team and some work might need to be done. --

analysing Feb gain. -- analysing Ved game. Euan Murray is no longer

the stick on that selection as he was. With his religious beliefs.

Scotland have a game on Sunday and have a quarter-final on Sunday and

you win Murray does not play on a Sunday. So the selection is

interesting. I wonder if Andy Robinson is saying, Moray Low,

proved you have a chance and -- if you proved you have a chance, you

team. -- could shock play from this Italian team. -- good play. A lot

of mistakes today. The first 25 minutes I thought was a different

game altogether band two weeks ago. Semenzato runs too much and it was

not a good pass over his right shoulder. When you take the ball

forward like he did, you must deliver a good pass because you

know you are about to put somebody under severe pressure. This is a

chance for Moray Low to impress Andy Robinson. He is up against the

legend. And he just goes back slightly. Good play by Kelly Brown

behind is in charge. I like the player of Masi. -- a place. He is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

Blair cannot hold it. The Italians extraordinary! He has got the try!

Semenzato looked as though he was taking one man on too many, he had

players to his left. He has scored this Scottish defence sleeping

because the scrum-half sneaked round that short half for the

second try for the Italians. first strike in the first half,

Benvenuti, that was soft. -- the first try. This was even softer,

and I think that was the wrong decision. Danielli, number 11.

Richie Vernon misses it, it was not Danielli. He will be upset when he

sees that, he should be smashing a ball like that. Bad defence from

Scotland. This is a test of a team now because you are on your home

turf, farewell game before the World Cup, top team, and I think

Robinson, he cannot change what he has got... He is not going to make

a knee-jerk decision. He has 28 players I've been keen nose of

going and I think the rest will find out tomorrow -- I believe are

going. Bergamasco to give the Italian performance has been their

kicking. But in terms of how the Italians are playing, they are

posing problems. They are asking a lot of problems and Scotland's

defence have not got the problems. Scotland were good in defence

against Ireland two weeks ago conceding no tries, they have

conceded two in the first 15 minutes all right -- first 15

minutes already. And Semenzato has played well today. Sergio Parisse

has been sick all night and they pulled down running behind his own

wind like that. -- Lynagh. Too much! Very scrappy. Both sides

trying to work off... At this is the try. -- this is. Richie Vernon

surely has to hold an? That was a bad tackle. Andy Robinson's thing

is you must stop a player advancing up the pitch and must taken to

ground first. -- and must take him. That is the big man, Del Fava,

coming off. He will be replaced. They are keeping Del Fava, he has

had a good game. I fully expected to see Cusiter Andy Murray, but

they are still in the stand so clearly a different strategy is

being adopted -- and also Murray. UN Murray is making his way down. -

- Euan Murray. Moray Low does not like it, but he has to anchor that

scrum. It will not seek -- it will not help when he sees his

opposition, Euan Murray, warming up next to him. That is the problem

for all of you watching, nearly 12 minutes scrum time and a team

minutes of rugby, that is not acceptable. A quarter of the game

own danger area. And it is adventurous place. -- place.

think that was Moray Low struggling. A challenge, and it will be a try

from Mike Blair! And he gets the second Scottish try it of the

afternoon, and it was deserved. Too much time on the ball, the

Edinburgh scrum-half, and he scored a try. And that is Mike Blair on

his 72nd test, his 6th try. A good lesson, keep trying, because they

have been trying to charge down all the game and it has not worked.

Masi gave him too much time. Look at the pressure, you have got to

buy it a raffle ticket to have a chance of a prize and it came up

from its -- came up trumps. And Scotland breathe a sigh of relief.

He scored five tries in 2002 against Canada. 14 Scotland

just been made, as Dan Parks were runs back on that successful kick

to give Scotland a 20-12 leader, with that Mike Blair try. Euan

Murray is on after 54 minutes and Nikki Walker is on the left wing

off, is not the greatest. I think every successful side has a good

stand-off. I am not sure Luciano Orquera has the quality. That has

put the icing on Blair's cake for position. Gregor Laidlaw has been

20,000 or so today, Andy, not a bad crowd. I would love to see more

people here. I would love to see 60,000 to send off our troops

before they go to the Rugby World Cup. It is what it is, but it is

That is good refereeing. He realised he made a mistake. He

thought it was a knock-on. We are about to see Euan Murray

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

come in for the first scrum. Can he Sergio Parisse cleverly twists his

man. He had a short ball to Garcia's available. -- to Garcia

available. You see he was over run by Garcia. That should have been a

promising position. I know we should not hark back to Dominguez,

but he was so good for Italy. Walker and Euan Murray are born. --

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

De Luca, who I think as -- has had a great game. They have not been

able to conduct for a try. You do not often hear the crowd booing.

Here is Nick the look of. He looked up, he had the ball in one hand. He

thought he was in. He was tackled by Andrea Masi. He defended well.

That was just her foot race between Nick the look and Garcia. -- just a

foot race. As the game progresses, Scotland are turning the screw a

little more every minute. The Italians seem to have faded. That

kick fades to the right. There are more substitutes lined up that we

can see. We can see half-backs about to change. Let's not beat

around the bush because Ruaridh Jackson is coming on. Chris Cusiter

is on four Blair. He applauds the crowd. -- for Mike Blair. Cusiter

has just under 20 minutes to prove his fitness. It is his 53th cap

counterruck. Andy Robinson will make some players who can play in

all positions. Nikki Walker is now playing for his Scotland place.

Potentially, yes. Euan Murray, again, a second chance to show Andy

Robinson he can keep his side of went for the impossible one-handed

pick-up. It might have been better just to dive on the loose ball.

That is the move that Scotland used when they scored the winning try

last week. A good tackle by Cusiter. He takes Canale. This is the one

where I would have liked to have seen him died on that rather than

pick it up. -- dive on that. Murray up against Lo Cicero. Scotland not

quite managing to get the Italian see from a different angle. It just

seemed that it had opened up there. Let's have a look. He looked as

though he was coming on the short ball. Look at that, that was clever.

Nick de that they ended a up flat footed and ended up taking nobody.

Nikki Walker is behind Ruaridh Jackson in open field. Another

look at the power of Italy going through there. You do not often see

this in a friendly. Something between Kelly Brown and

Castrogiovanni. Somebody said to me that World Cup warm-up matches do

not mean anything. I think you will see that it does. These lads just

enjoy a bit of a rumble, don't they? Castrogiovanni did not like

was just to kick it to the right a bit. Winning rugby matches is

infectious. I know this game doesn't mean anything in terms of

statistics and results, but it means a lot for confidence.

Scotland, two weeks ago, got a huge amount of confidence from getting

that try in the last minute. Scotland will get a lot from

winning this game if they go wanted it. In my opinion, this is the

goal for his country so far. He has pushed that to the right. --

Ruaridh Jackson. He has scored 10 points for his country - two

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

conversions, one penalty, one drop do that will. Jackson is good at

that, he is a rugby player first and for most. War Catt out the

back! -- Nikki Walker. This is exhibition stuff now! The Italian

is around the wrong side, Barbieri, but he has got away with it.

Castrogiovanni is having in rest on rucking by the Italians, they are

trying to offset and upset the Scots. A penalty. I do not know

what they are watching here, it sometimes seems a little bit... The

invention is good. There is an attempt at rugby but it is just not

happening. But ultimately winning. There was a lot of good play but

there is not that killer passing. This is Graeme Morrison. Nikki

Walker de Barclay. And he is smiling. That last passage of play

is symptomatic of the problem for Scotland. A lot of good play and

getting behind Italy but they could not get back killer pass. Scotland

put a lot of passes together which is good, but they cannot get over

the try-line as much as I would like. And Dougie Hall comes on for

his 36th cap, in great stalwart. -- a great. Moved to Edinburgh in 2007.

And the Italians are making changes. Lorenzo Cittadini comes out for his

6th cap. And he has caused havoc in Morrison, who has had another good

pass rugby. The pitch has held up well here, a light off fading and

the flood lights are on. -- the the far side after that passage of

play. He has played his heart out, hasn't he? He has played well since

he has come on. Scotland in this last seven minutes need to finish

on a high to set them off for New Zealand. I think they will win this

game with seven minutes to go, but wouldn't it be great to get another

try? To finish on a high and go off and do us proud Down Under.

shortens line-up by the Italians as Tommaso D'Apice picks out the big

man -- a shortened line-up. If 54th cap for Alessandro Zanni. A long

pass to Masi. And out to Bergamasco. Strong and into contact, he does

well, Bergamasco has. -- Bergamasco. Beautifully taken by Judy Deni! --

by Lorenzo Cittadini. And Euan Murray rescues that for the Scots.

but I would not mess with Graeme to start both games, and that tells

you everything about how important Andy Robinson and Gregor Townsend

rate him. He missed the sets -- the Six Nations. He is hugely

influential for Scotland. He is 6 ft 3, just under 17 stone. But he

has got great feet, so he is not an easy target and his offloading is

pretty good. Ross Rennie, who has really impressed. He was on his

pitch -- he is on the pitch for his 8th cap, so Kelly Brown will go to

eight. Interesting to see if Rennie and Barclay play left and right or

open and blind. This could be the Kelly Brown. Goal left now, they

run numbers now. -- go left. There are numbers. There is an injury. In

the injury for Nikki Walker. You do not want that if you are going on

an aeroplane! A physiotherapist is on, look at that. And that was good

play by Rory Lamont, the Toulon man fighting his way back from injury.

Morrison again with a little kick. And Benvenuti turns round and sends

it up into the stand, at a line-out for the Scots. Hae -- a line-out.

Nikki Walker is sitting on the 10 yard line. That is a ligament gone

in his knee. The physiotherapist, he got a feel for Nikki Walker

because it is so tight and so close. If you get an injury now, you watch

out for the tournament. And that is Richie Gray and Kellock. And Nikki

Walker has injured himself. And the emergency team on the. It is not

that serious, but it is serious enough to mean he is still sitting

down. The forwards have done their job to subdue the Italians, who are

very experienced players. This is the one position... Maybe this

makes his decision for him, which is very sad. I was very worried

about this game because if you get a bad injury now, you are out of

the World Cup. It has been a good game, Scotland winning, who is your

man of the Match? A lot of players have done well, Mike Blair

controlled things well, but my Man of the Match is Scotland's No. 13

Nick De Luca. He has been at the heart of everything going forward,

came off the bench two weeks ago and made a difference. He has

brought a lot of energy to the back line, so my Man of the Match is No.

13, Nick De Luca. His first test try it was in the final 2011 Six

Nations test against Italy. And you have made him Man of the Match

again. It is his 4th game against the Italians, just one try. He came

back to the squad after Graeme Morrison suffered an injury. So the

man with the Italian and surname is Andy Nicol's Man of the Match. --

Italian surnames. He lost his footing, that happens. We wanted to

finish on a higher and this is not that exciting. A lot of players

will feel for him. Even the players he is in competition with

internally for selection will be very disappointed. And you can see

Gregor Townsend very frustrated, and Andy Robinson. This will be a

real Downer for them, in what has been a pretty good performance.

feel for him because my last avert game of rugby, I destroyed my knee

and could not make the first World Cup. So I know how they are feeling

and also how Nikki Walker is feeling. This is the kind of think

you just do not want. -- kind of thing. The players do not want it,

at a friend has been injured. And Nikki Walker is heading up the

tunnel with his head in his hands, and that is his World Cup over.

Very sad. Another line-out steel. Semenzato. The line-outs have not

been very good. That should have been a great platform for Scotland

but Scotland have lost all three. Max Evans nearly got through and he

tries to free his hands, and he does. We have just been told that

Nikki Walker has suffered a knee injury. Some think seemingly

innocuous, a slip, but his knee is Castrogiovanni, I think, with

like him! Ross Rennie is up on his feet quickly. Good play by Barbieri,

the Canadian. The referee says, play on a. Good counter rucking

from Nick De Luca, your Man of the Match. And it was not for his

rugby! Masi should be rocked but nobody is on the ball. Should be

robbed. Scotland could be on the way to a knock-on, a scrum to the

Italians. A lot of good play, a lot of pleasing aspects to Scotland's

gain, but the line-outs in the Italy 22 that have been turned over,

it started off well but certainly has not finished like that. A good

tackle by Ross Rennie. If this was a Six Nations game, we would be

delighted because this is a very good win against an Italian team

improving all the time. But the crowd wanted a bit more from the

players'. But if I was a player, I would be happy. Nikki Walker will

be upset, but most of the players will be happy. Two weeks ago, there

were more questions than answers. The answer today, Scotland are in

good shape for the World Cup, barring the injury to Nikki Walker.

Scotland looked like they have got their game had sons. A lovely

Italians. Max Evans rip the ball. - - ripped. I think all the players

will obviously have seen Nikki Walker being carted off and they

just want this game to finish because they do not want it to

happen to them. Scotland have scored two tries and have conceded

two tries. I think, defensively, the tries were pretty weak. I think

we just want this game to finish now. I wonder if Castrogiovanni

will get clapped off or booed off. That is Nick Mallett and the

Scottish victory here at Murrayfield. Let's sum this up. Two

tries apiece, a warm-up game, what has been good and what has been

that? Scotland have won two games. You cannot overestimate what

winning does for your confidence. The Lucan did shape physically --

they look in. Andy Robinson makes his way to the players. And

Scotland have won their second and possibly final game in preparation

for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. They have scored two tries

Scotland will go to the World Cup on the back of two warm-up wins.

Let's find out what Chris and Donnie thought of it. Andy Robinson

said before the match that the result was tea, especially backing

up a win against Ireland. They have created momentum and the winning

feeling. There are lots of things they could improve on, but to win

his first and foremost the most important thing. Andy Nicol thinks

Scotland are in good shape for the World Cup, Donny, do you agree?

They are undefeated in the warm-up games. Every player has only had

one game time in ten weeks. That is a concern and you can see it in the

way they play. I think they are in good physical shape, but playing as

a team there is a lot of work to be done yet. Confidence might be the

thing. Undefeated going in, they have been together for ten weeks.

The squad is going down to 30. Five players are going to be very

disappointed, which is a shame. The draw works well for Scotland.

Romania will be one of the easiest games. George a, to me, is going to

be a major test for Scotland because they have big forwards up

front. The concern for Scotland Today was the scrum. The Jorja

coaches Richie Dixon, who used to be involved in Scotland. The second

have today was not a classic. It was a long 40 minutes to watch.

Andy Robinson has some decisions to make. One his captaincy and the

other is his team. Were there many outstanding players for you?

anyone outstanding. I think they will be disappointed with the two

tries they conceded. The second one could have been stopped. It is game

time under the belt. I thought Mike Blair looked really sharp. He

missed a lot of the pre-season build-up with injury. Chris Cusiter

and Euan Murray came on. There are guys who played well individually

but nothing to wonder why no place. -- to underline their place.

think it was enthusiasm in the first 20 minutes. When you have not

played you try a lot harder. The Italians never looked like scoring

but they got a score in the first half and that gave them confidence

and brought them back into the game. All in all, great to see Scotland

have a victory and we carry that forward with fingers crossed into

the World Cup. Mick the lookout is with -- man-of-

the-match Nick De Luca is with us. A solid performers today, still

things to Wycombe. We one might begin by 11. Mikes in the end. It

is a great stepping-stone going forward to the World Cup. You have

been involved in the training camps in the past and they have missed

out. Has that been a big momentum to drive you forward but then?

did not expect anything this year. I would be devastated not to be

involved, so I hope I have done myself some good and Andy will put

me on the plane. You have struggled a bit with injury. How are you

feeling now? My groin feels great. You a man-of-the-match. We will

present you with the trophy. Well done.

Scotland went ahead in the first half due to Alasdair beckons in's

try. It was certainly merited at that stage because Scotland had

opened up well. Yes, things were They made the Italian's work and

started them running because they are big upfront. Everything was

looking good for Scotland to dominate the game. It was great to

see the passage of play. Mike Blair I thought played extremely well.

The odd mistake, but Scotland capitalised very well with his

quick ball. Nor was it going to be difficult -- is it going to be

difficult to maintain this form? Pre-season games are difficult

because you are blowing the cobwebs out. To find your feet is difficult

to do but I thought, started well. Italy found their form a little bit

towards the end of the first a. They made some good discussions and

scored a good try. How much will Scotland be beating themselves up

about the two Italian tries? think quite a lot. It is a problem

that Scotland have. If they see a chink they should keep going. The

scrum as an area that Scotland are going to have to pick on because

the Italians were very strong. It had a lot to do with them scoring

here. The defence was good up until then, and to let Italy scored at

this point in the game was crucial to how they performed for the rest

of the match. Scotland came have brought their foot off the gas are

a little bit instead of keeping going. New Zealand a very good at

that. If they see a chink in the arm of the keep exploiting it.

Italy played some good play as well. When they got into this quick ball

mentality they capitalised very well. If New Zealand had scored

that try, we would have been in awe of it. I think we will get

organised and try to work on the defensive positions as quickly as

possible. Scotland conceded a soft try. Ten-hour day -- in my day

there were baggy jerseys and he might have got caught there. Body

position is something to look into. Scotland will have a very good look

and try to make sure they do not happen again.

There was great awareness from Mike Blair. He is a great sportsman.

Mike is really sharp and brave in the face of that and he has

rewarded. -- he is rewarded. changed things with Chris Cusiter

coming on later on. It might change things. It was great to see Chris

Cusiter comeback for the last 20 minutes. He played his part. He is

up for selection so it is down to Andy Robinson. The real heartbreak

is for Nikki Walker. It looks like his World Cup has gone. He will go

through the same protocols that people go through, no matter what

the injury. He will be getting the best of treatment. If anything

needs scandal look that he will get that right away. We just hope it is

good news. The closer you get to the World Cup, the more excited you

get by it. If he was to lose out and an injury he would be

devastated. He was at the 2003 World Cup and he is young enough to

make the next one of the does not make this one.

Just to sum up briefly, two wins on the way to the World Cup cannot be

bad. It is positive. Great moving forward. Italy was good, Ireland