Scotland v Italy Six Nations Rugby

The baby this time last week the Six Nations had just begun and by

teatime on Sunday we had enjoyed three magnificent games. Round two,

and the games in Edinburgh this afternoon, Paris tonight and Dublin

tomorrow will have to go some it they are going to match what was by

common consent the best ever opening weekend in the history of

turns into moment that will make or break you. The kick that did not

work, and the kick that did. The moments when hands were raised in

vain. Hands up and down in triumph, the hands of God. Brian O'Driscoll

- court was back. There was a Welsh comeback, in vain. Eight defeats in

succession, the last five at home. Twickenham. There was a moment here

when Scotland raised expectations. Confident takes time and just a

moment to be confirmed. England were on the move. The proof, one

belonged pass. Scotland stuck together and struck from deep. The

try of the day. Early days, it no prizes won on day one. Ah, the old

Calcutta Cup. Sunday in Rome. The moment when a 30 year-old nobody

stole the show. There is work to be done in defence. In defying the

inevitable French come back. But it was nobody's moment. Castrogiovanni,

the most bearded of the big beards. Italy's moment in a weekend of

From a spring Sunday in Rome to a chill Saturday in Edinburgh. I

Italy one-hit wonders? Can they win three matches in a row for the

first time in the Six Nations. And can Scotland, with three home

matches in a row, kick-start may be a challenge for the title? Unlikely,

I know, because they did lose all five home games in 2012. Is this

the wooden spoon decider or rather more than that? This is the table

I mentioned that it was a chilly day and we have the pipers

entertaining the crowd here. Probably the quote of the

championship so far has come from the Scotland coach, Scott Johnson,

who said the Scots in rugby are like a bikini, they show a whole

lot but not there whole story. I'm sure you would all agree that while

last weekend shows Scotland conceding points it did not tell

the whole story. There was some good played. But there was a lesson

learned as well about the contact and the collisions. If you listen

to any press conference this week all the Scotland camp were talking

back contact end getting quick ball. The bottom line is 38 points were

conceded and lost to Tonga. How long can you go on papering over

the cracks and say we are getting better? Everyone understands that

international sport is a result business and it's common they're

desperate to get those results. They will try to do that this

afternoon against an Italian side who are acutely physical. What do

you think is the biggest threat that Scotland of facing today?

think Italy have changed their style of play under coach Jacques

Brunel. They have a bit more balanced to their game. The counter

attack a bit more and their backs look more dangerous. The Scotland

back three is a potent attacking force. Three very different

individuals and here are two of them who literally come from

opposite ends of the Earth. Tries from this dynamic duo book-ended

the Scotland performance at Twickenham. Getting an opportunity

to return Scotland was a dream come true. On nearly cried when my

mother saw me put on the blue jersey and sing the national anthem

for the first time. In the corner, Sean Maitland for the try! Scoring

on my first match at Twickenham, I cannot ask for more. It was a good

start for us, and his was one of those good individual performances,

but it is a team game and we did not get a result. Was there any

suggestion that pout she gave England too much respect in the

first half? Yes, we need to get into their faces a little bit

earlier. If you were not playing Six Nations rugby, what would you

be doing? I'll try to be a pro golfer. As a young boy I wanted to

be a jockey. Most famous relative? George Best. It is very distant,

but I will take it. How would you describe Stuart Hogg as a rugby

player? Too much energy. Incredible, a great vision, skills. I call him

Jonny. Pocket Rocket. There is a real sense of relationship there.

Yes, you just eat give a guy like that the ball and he will do a lot

He is a young man and full of confidence at the moment. He is

fearless. We have to start with there ball, and we took our chances.

Hopefully with Italy will get a bit more Paul. Who are your heroes?

Jeff Wilson. Chris Patterson. Gregor Townsend. Good dancer, that

is your cage! Weighty thing you can cause some damage against Italy?

They will be at full of confidence. Pope we can produce quick ball and

allow our backs to play. What is the difference between you and

Stuart Hogg? I can talk English! Sean Maitland made a massive impact

last weekend. What did you make of their performances? I thought they

were both very good. Sean Maitland came up through the Kiwi system.

One thing they will work hard on is the support play. That was shown

last weekend with his first try on debut. Stuart Hogg kicked

exceptionally well from hand, distributed well at the right time.

He is a talent. There was always a perennial debate about Chris

Paterson, what his best position was, and there is a lobby to move

Hogg outside half, and Warren Gatland has made his opinion known

about that. What is your view? view is that he is a full back away

should stick with him at that. When you have a performance last week,

letters stick with that. He is 20 years old and his just learning his

trade. I think we made a mistake moving Chris from his position. I

would like Scotland to stick with Stuart Hogg at 15. I was fortunate,

I just love playing, I loved being out there. But there must have been

times when you thought, decide what you want me to do and I will do it.

One of the biggest turning point in my crew was went Andy Robinson said

that, he said, You are full back, that is why I am picking you, and

that allowed me to concentrate on that. We can now hear from the

Scottish coach, Scott Johnson. It has been a long time since

Scotland got the winning performance here. All positivity

take on the match last weekend at Twickenham? I think we showed that

we had focus on the field and we can score from well back on the

field. We were poor at the tackle area and we have to improve that.

You're identified that on the day, but break down on the contact area.

Is there something you can coach in a week or is it and mindset? It is

a combination of both. You're not going to fix everything in a week.

It is going to be about attitude today and the result last week says

that the tournament this a lot for grabs. We are not just in it for

this game, we are in it for the tournament. What did you make of

Italy's performance against France? There was no surprise about it. I

thought they were really good in the autumn. It was no surprise to

us. What is probably the turning point in Italian rugby is the way

they are playing. They have always had patency up front but they have

added a bit of spark behind so they are a dangerous side. This will be

a top quality test match. These are the 15 players starting for

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tackler at last week. Kelly Brown ball through to set up the exciting

Let us talk about the Italians after that tremendous victory in

Rome last week, and they have always been a force to be reckoned

with in the Eternal City, but their record on their travels is

lamentable, just a single victory in the whole of the Six Nations.

That was achieved here six years interception and it is another

Italian try. This is remarkable. Would you believe it? This is

incredible. Murrayfield has seen nothing like this before.

Murrayfield has not heard anything These things happen! A bad day at

the office if ever there was one. We needed a game plan to combat the

Italian defence. But the winger was rushing in and it did not come off.

Early in the game, we came back into it. Then they just finished us

off. A good try, anyway. Andy, talk off. A good try, anyway. Andy, talk

about the Italian starting line-up. They were impressive last week. The

front row is the most experienced in world rugby. Lo Cicero becomes

the second Italian to win 100 caps. In the back row, Simone Favaro

keeps his place. The number eight is simply the best number eight in

the world. Half-back has been a problem for Italy. They may have a

couple here who can solve the problem. Benvenuti has also scored

against Scotland. The two of the against Scotland. The two of the

back three have scored tries. Let's get an Italian perspective on

what might happen this afternoon. I am with the director of elite

rugby at the Italian federation. You were a happy man last weekend.

What an pact did it have been in Italy? It was a great day for Italy.

It was a perfect day. We started with the recognise Asian of the

first game. -- recognition. The performance of the team on the

pitch was fantastic. It was really the perfect day. It is important

today to confirm that feeling, to be able to confirm it was not just

something that happened occasionally but because the team

is improving. That is the challenge now, the to earn your first ever

back-to-back wins. I am very worried for the match today. I am

not sure that we are able to confirm this kind of attitude

towards the match. The problem is not winning or losing. The problem

is confirming the way we played against France. I hope the players

will find the capability to play at that beat level. If we do that, I

think this can be another good day for Italian rugby. We wish you all

the best. The thank you. One of the most interesting

statistics about last week in Rome was that Rome conceded only seven

penalties in the whole game against France. In days gone by, we always

expected the stereotype of Italy being undisciplined, giving away

penalties. If they have cured the problem, it is a major benefit for

the way the play the game. It is a big influence by Jacques Brunel, he

is trying to bring an influence to the team. They have always had a

strong forward. Sometimes the rest of the game was lacking. That is

where he has brought something to the team. They are trying to give

themselves a chance of going on to win a game. A bit short on forward

expertise here, but we have Lawrence Dallaglio. Two scrum-

halves here. You know what it is like to have a number 8 of that

stature here. If there was a world team, he would be the number eight,

without doubt. He has delivered in a poor Italian scene for years. The

is at the heart of everything Italy do. This is a huge moment for Lo

Cicero, the prop forward, who has been a staple of the team for 13

years since his debut against England in Six Nations in 2000. It

was the first year that five became six. Today, he winces one hundredth

cap. He joins an illustrious list of 22 other players who have

reached that total. Chris Paterson They are all players who have won

100 caps for their country. We say this every time at Murrayfield, but

the pre-match entertainment here really is of the highest possible

standard. We have got the pipes and drums on the roof. We have got all

the flags and kids from local clubs on the pitch waiting to welcome the

Scottish team on to the field of play. Chris, you experienced this

more than any other Scottish player. What is it like? It is such a

thrill. All you want to do is to meet all these people. There will

be a huge amount of Italian fancier. It is a special place. The Six

Nations is a special tournament. You just want to give the fans the

win they after. That is the reception this afternoon. There's a

mixture of expectation because Scotland are playing Italy, so you

would hope that Scotland would inevitably win, but there's also a

measure of trepidation now. That is more than days gone by. That is

because of the manner in which Italy beat France last week. The

patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, Princess Anne, is coming out on to

the field to be presented to the teens. You can here the chance of,

Italy, Italy, here. You want Italy to do well, don't you, because when

five becomes six and six are genuine contenders, it makes the

competition more valid. Not in the next 80 minutes! France beating --

Italy beating France last week was good for the competition. These two

countries have been the wooden spoon players for the past five or

six years. Scotland have got a chance today and in the next few

weeks to get into this championship. That is something Scotland have not

been for the last few years. They can look forward. In the world

rankings, the Italians are ninth, Scotland are 12th. That tells a

story. It is a big game. mentioned Lawrence Dallaglio. He is

on the touchline. The Italian team are lined up for

the anthems. You're watching them earlier closely. It seemed as if

you were keen to join in! What has impressed you? Not just the result,

which was the greatest in their history, but the way they have

developed their game. Before, we had always seen a forward

orientated game. They have really taken the game forward. They can

take it to any opposition. They have got players who can cause a

real threat out wide. I know you were impressed by Scotland's attack

last week, but they have to work on the breakdown area. Can they

improve in a week? They have got to come out with that physicality and

make sure they look after the ball. They turned it over to many times

against England. A prediction? Scotland have to win this game,

really they do, for their own development. You would expect them

to win. Up to the commentary box now with you.

That is her Royal Highness. She goes through the formalities, as

she has done many times. Andy, she knows her stuff. Absolutely. She

knows more than a lot of people here today, maybe even those

standing here right now! We try to cater as a pundit on so many

occasions. -- we tried to get her. Where is this game going to be won

and lost? Half back? Undoubtedly, they bring the control to the game

and allow the teams to play in areas that they want to. You saw

the contrast last week at Twickenham. The England forward

pack won the collisions, as we have discussed. They won the contract.

It was difficult for Scotland to get on the front foot. You need to

have a platform and go forward. slight contrast in the conditions

as well. It is slightly wetter. Possibly we will not see as much

rugby getting played early on as we did last week at Twickenham. I

expect Scotland to kick a bit nor - - more in the first 20 minutes. 80

bring more of a counter-attacking threat than they have done in the

past. -- Italy. We're waiting for the anthems. Chris Paterson, a

final thought. We have had so much entertaining rugby. Wants to play

the first game, you position is established. -- once you play. So,

a more pragmatic approach? We spoke about Italy changing their game.

They have changed their defensive game. We will have to wait and see.

OK, the announcement tells the ITALIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM: "Inno di

# 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.

# 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. Her WELSH NATIONAL ANTHEM: "Hen

Wlad Fy Nhadau" ("Land of My Fathers").

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi.

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri.

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad.

# Dros ryddid collasant eu gwaed. # Gwlad, gwlad.

# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. SCOTTISH NATIONAL ANTHEM: Flower of

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last Sunday's heroes. 100 caps today for Lo Cicero. Parisse, as

to make his debut, on the bench. The referee is Jaco Peyper. He was

in charge of Scotland's narrow went against Australia last summer.

Historically, Scotland have been -- Italy have been poor on the road.

Just one win in 36 fixtures. At Scotland steeled themselves

sufficiently after their acting at Twickenham? Ruaridh Jackson will

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the close encounters last week Last weekend was widely regarded as

one of the most entertaining starts to the championships and the match

today has started where we left off. Absolutely! What a breathless two

minutes. This was the end of a long scoresheet at some point. He has a

that ball went dead. But a cracking row, with Lo Cicero earning his

50th cap. And a Castrogiovanni, what a time he had in Rome last

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week, with the try and the big mess of this possession and the

Italians have the penalty. Gone are the days when the Italians would be

kicking the ball was trying to grind it out. Real ambition. That

is about the first mistake that Parisse has made in six years! I

think there has been more rugby played in the first five minutes

than in the fall 80 minutes between Scotland and Italy over the years.

We have been subjected to some real purgatory where both teams have

been scared to play. Both sides look like they have the right

attitude today. Italy are potentially a very dangerous side.

They have already achieved what many people thought they would

achieve, and if they play like they played last week they will be very

dangerous. They have one four of the last Six against Scotland. Six

of their 10 Six Nations championships had been against

Scotland. They will fancy their chances today. The spark silly

penalties. Scotland cannot afford to give away easy territory and

life in Rome. Having been very much the journeyman for the last 10

years of rugby, in and out of the side. He could never have dreamt

that he would have such bad day as last weekend. The club side that he

plays for in Italy on languishing down the bottom of the table and he

had no club form coming into the Test match last week. The coach is

stuck with him and he bridges the game off his life and dictated

possession. He set up the try it for Parisse. And kick his goals as

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well, three from three last Sunday that Sean Lamont has got himself at

the bottom of the ruck there and has chosen to box kick. Masi was

right on top of him. He is not used to being there. He needs to control

the situation and make sure there are blockers in place and make sure

that he can get the kick away. Interesting to see from the

perspective of the Italians, Castrogiovanni really taking

responsibility around the fringes. This is where the Italians have

developed their game, they are looking to move the ball through

Ryan Grant, a former Royal Signal man. Short discussion between the

referee and the two hookers. Ross Ford recalled to the starting line-

up following the injury to Duddy three games last weekend was that

there were not a lot of reset scrums. And for Italy, it seems

they had been a few problems so far. -- there have been. The surface is

a little mixed. You can see the turf has been a little bit carved

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playing his rugby at London Wasps and enjoying his time. That was

judged to perfection. He is a terrific player, and so versatile.

He likes to play his rugby in the centre but has been playing full-

back for a long time in international colours. He was man

of the match in that first famous win against the French at the

Stadio Flaminio. I know London Wasps think very highly of him. He

is a seasoned professional. I will not call him a veteran, they do not

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like that! Ryan Grant receiving a Italians on the game line. The

coach has been talking about that build him up, not the greatest kick

in the world. A week is a long time in rugby. It is not a bad tactic,

to use your legs to stop the ball. But kicking it into touch was not

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greater continuity, keeping the support. They have a penalty.

Lovely advantage played by the referee there. Scotland just worked

the phases. They realise they have the penalty already. I was worried

about them playing too much of their rugby in the wrong part of

the field. Today, they are trying to play more in the Italian side.

It is the right thing to do. Good off loading from both the second

rows. That is house, need to play. They have got to play with a bit

more dimension. They were a bit predictable last week against

England. Here is Greig Laidlaw. He has been successful with three from

four. This is straight on to the posts. It is a very clean strike.

Scotland put their noses in front. It has been an even match so far.

Scotland, territorially, have been in the ascendancy. I liked their

composure there. It has been a good 15 minutes. Italy have contributed

as well. Scotland are just worth Giovanni. He has put it forward.

very impressive kick from Andre Masi. He hadto work in. He managed

to get the ball to Sergio Parisse. Seeing very good kicks. It was very

intelligent from Greig Laidlaw. -- two very good case. So many times,

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you would have seen that kicked off Botes has just got a head injury.

The referee just stopped it there when Scollan managed to get a

turnover. -- Scotland. A couple of men down. Some treatment required.

Scotland are making life difficult very legal. Just unfortunate for

the man lying on the floor. Scotland are really making an

effort to try to disrupt Italy's ball at the breakdown. A few

worrying signs for the Italians. Scotland are forcing the turnovers.

They have been looking for a response after the game against

England. They have been talking about the fundamentals of the game

line, coming out with physicality. If you haven't got that, you

haven't got the basics of rugby. So far, he will be happy with the

response he has got from Scotland. He has said it will be simply a

consultancy job for the duration of the Six Nations. He expects to head

back to the TV studio afterwards. He could not resist the opportunity

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ten-metre line. But Sergio Parisse can't hold on to it. It has been

slowed up. A nice little, Surrey, from the referee there. -- sorry.

He got one on the head. I remember wishing I could do that every time

I played. Greek Laidlaw, take your hat off! -- Greig Laidlaw. This is

the physicality that Scotland have been asked to do. So far, they are

delivering. They are, and delivering from the guy who

performed last week. Johnnie Beattie has picked up where he left

off. Hopefully the rest of the team will take a leaf from him. Most of

the match is being played between the two ten-metre lines at the

happy with that. People often ask, where have Italy may the

improvements? Andy, you would agree, they are better structured now.

They are not giving away needless penalties. It allows you to build

pressure. They are spending more time in Scotland's half. Jacques

Brunel has really taken that on. The French coach is a bit more

pragmatic in his outlook. That is defence this week. Stuart Hogg does

today. A penalty to Scotland, with the Italians refusing to release

the ball. It was a good defence eventually. But I think Scotland

were a bit soft. He should not have got this far. Clearly ace penalty

for Scotland. But before then, he made three, four yards around the

fringes. It is a well-earned penalty giving Scotland the

opportunity to spend a bit of time. They can exert some pressure on the

Italians. The crowd here will lend a proper salt on the try-line. --

time to give the team is in the the air, you never know what could

happen. Not a bad decision from Scotland's perspective. They knew

they were probably get another three points here. They are using a

good maul. The referee wants them to use possession quickly from

those. On this occasion, the Italians dragged it down. It was Lo

Cicero he was penalised. Italy had done the work there, there was no

two from the Scottish scrum-half. That is just what they need to do,

keep the scoreboard ticking over. Laidlaw, a good strike rate. The

coaching team will be happy with this first 25 minutes. Only six

points to show from it, but there Luciano Orquera. Not the way to

respond. Scotland will be saying, let's build the pressure down there.

He has given them the perfect opportunity to do that. A little

next match against the Irish, played on a Sunday. He does not

Scott surely thought that he had done enough but the cover tackle

from Botes was outstanding. officials just trying to work out

he will take the lineout. It will be the crucial one. It was

completely missed by Benvenuti. But Scott just could not quite get

there. It was a terrible attend by Benvenuti to kick it through. A

great tackle by Botes. And a very significant one. He saved an

absolutely certain try there. And Italy got the put into the line-out,

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about that this time. -- Visser. Scotland Cup the first try of the

match. And they fully deserved it. Look what it means to the Scottish

fans. The Dutch-born winger has an exceedingly good strike rate. His

fifth try in seven internationals. He ducked in field from the left

foot. Parisse gambled and went for the Hibbert. After that, Italy were

struggling. It will be interesting to see how Italy respond. They are

significantly behind on the scoreboard, something they have not

experienced in the championship so Laidlaw. Scotland take a commanding

lead after half an hour. Through the early phases, Scotland were

putting two passes in, three passes, try and get the likes of Stuart

Hogg running against Castrogiovanni. And it was a well worked try,

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defensively in the first half hour Castrogiovanni and Beattie. They

have been hunting for about the last 30 seconds! I watched them,

there was not a punch thrown. They have been hiding and chatting! What

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the hard work undone by giving away working on his bare line speed.

Italy have had a lot of possession and territory but they have been

met with much stronger Scottish defence. Yes, that is probably what

was lacking last week. Scotland have rarely played with aggression

and attitude. -- wheelie played. -- into the game. Italy getting

frustrated with their mistakes. lot of the mistakes are coming from

the pressure and the aggression and the attitude that Scotland of

bringing to this game. If you stand of people and let them play,

obviously they are going to be could. You get in their face and

you ask the question. Robert Harley, he is just a machine, the figures

and stats that he puts in a week in, week out, for Glasgow, is just

fantastic. He spoke in the week about his excitement about getting

into the starting 15 and lending his particular abrasive style to

the proceedings. And he is packing down on the open side. You always

give the younger man the auction, don't you?! -- option. First a

first start for Robert Harley in his country's colours today, a

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Penalty for Italy. But refusing to give up the ball. That last couple

of phases was reminiscent of Twickenham last week, trying to

play off slow ball. You cannot do it. When you are playing from a

slow ball and the defence is structured, you get turnover ball.

Just outside goal-kicking range for Orquera so they pop it into touch

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there will be the option of three penalty for Italy. Another chance

to get three points on the score board. They seem to be lacking that

shape that they had last week. The forwards are working hard, albeit

against a much stronger Scottish defence. But the use of the ball

from Italy has not been great so far. That was one of those

penalties that Scotland did not need to give away, because the

defence was really working. There are good penalties and bad

penalties. I felt there, made the hit and make them use the ball and

earlier on, knocking these over in half-time approaching. It is not

goal-kicking in the classical style. Just a lazy swing of the boot but

the first one hit the post and this one definitely goes over. We spoke

about it last week, this problem that the Italians have had over the

last decade, a lack of a quality number 10 to make sure that the

score board is constantly moving. And that will be the last play of

the game in this first half. think Scotland will be very happy

with that 40 minutes. Everything that was lacking last week, they

brought to this week. They have played with progression, with

discipline and with good ambition. Apart from that penalty and one

other attend, Italy have not really had an opportunity. Fear talent

seemed -- the Italian coaching staff will want get their half

backs down the tunnel because if they are to do anything they have

JOHN INVERDALE: They wondered whether Luciano Orquera could have

two good gains in a row. He is not having the best game. Tobias Botes

made a crucial tackle, but Tim Visser managed to score a few

moments later. And Luciano Orquera finished the half with one

the metres made. Three penalties conceded apiece. It has been a more

conceded apiece. It has been a more free-flowing game than we have been

expecting. You are smiling! Scotland can be

proud of what they did there. They put a lot of things right for last

weekend. They have put pressure on Italy. But Italy, they did not get

on the score board early on. Thoughts overall on the first 40

minutes? We have seen it more intensity from Scotland. You can

see the line speed. You can see the work around the tackle. The kicks

they have chosen have been good. They have managed to get some

change from that. They have just put Italy back into their own half.

Early on, Tim Visser, if the ball had bounced Tiffany, who knows,

this could have been spectacular. - - differently. He is a clever

player. Tim Visser often calls for that. He is an out and out try-

scorer. A poacher, for want of a better phrase. He did well. We are

going to talk about Laidlaw in a second. But you have got to have

somebody who is going to orchestrate things. The Scottish

pack has given Laidlaw a platform on which to work. Absolutely. We

talked about how effective they were last week. It is a scrum-

half's dream to have a ball in that way. A few times, it has been slow

down. But by and large, law -- Laidlaw's decision-making has been

good. Scotland have improved their tackles. Last week, a criticism was

the number of times England got good possession. Matt has won his

side a penalty. We saw an extraordinary piece of non

footballing skill from an Italian, which is not words we normally

associate with them. Tobias Botes has been having a good sniping game

around the posts. Any school kids watching, this is how you do a

tackle. He is desperately quick. France does well to get through the

hands. -- Grant. A tremendous tackle. That is a game changer

right there, with the score line as it was. Doesn't get any better,

does it?! Give credit to Tobias Botes there. What was he thinking

when he did that? Who knows. The ball bobbled up a bit. I think I am

making excuses. He will be disappointed. If Tim Visser did not

score in one corner, it was a great finish in the other. What is

interesting is just the tip on. It is tipped on to Le Monde. They get

a quick ball. -- Lamont. From that quicker ball, the Italians are not

will numbered on that strong side. If there's one person you want on

the Scottish side on the wing there, it is him. You can see the Italian

defence under pressure. Tim Visser, one on one, I don't think there are

many better. He is so big and powerful. Talking about the half

backs, you thought Tobias Botes has played well. What about Luciano

Orquera? He is reasonably experienced. In the past, he is a

player that Scotland have targeted. He had a dream game last week.

has always been in or out, though, hasn't he? We mentioned beforehand

that Italy have been unsettled. He has defended well, albeit on the

wing. His first penalty was not a great strike. That sometimes cannot

your confidence. He has struggled to find the form he had last week.

That might be a result of the pressure he has been put under by

the Scottish defence. Conversely, Jackson and Laidlaw at half back?

They are controlling it nicely. It is a big decision about how much

rugby you are going to play. Laidlaw is important for the

Scottish team, because of his basic understanding. But this is what to

do not want, him having to go in and clear the ruck. You want

somebody who is not used to playing scrum-half. This happens again

later on. A couple of times, he has had to go in and clear the rucks.

This is the basic rugby ability he has. A fantastic kick behind. And

we have all wanted to do this as some time. He takes it nicely. The

referee took it in good grace. Thoughts on what is going to be

being said from the Scottish perspective? More of the same?

have managed it pretty well. From the Italian point of view, Simone

Favaro has played well. He has stopped the Scottish onslaught. But

they will want to keep the scoreboard ticking over. This is

the first of three matches for you this weekend. We are in Paris later

on, and it is Ireland-Italy next weekend. We also have the women

Championship. This was what happened on the first weekend of

that. that.

Wonderful conditions for international rugby. England and

Scotland opened their Six Nations account. The second England try

came from Gallagher. The inside centre then scored and converted

one of her own just minutes later. She continued to impress with the

boots throughout the afternoon. The floodgates opened in the second

half, with the fly half adding to England's account. There were then

after a heavy defeat last year, but Ireland open the scoring after 22

minutes. So the Spence finish of a good move. -- Sophie Spence

finished off a good move. Wales badly needed a result. When

Fletcher touched down, the match was tied 7-7 at half-time. Prosser

slotted a penalty after 65 minutes. But Ireland broke Welsh hearts with

But Ireland broke Welsh hearts with five minutes left to play.

There has been one match in the second weekend already. France beat

second weekend already. France beat Wales, meaning that there of four

teams on two points each. Seeing other matches this weekend. -- two.

As far as later on today is Halfpenny scores! Fantastic

You can see the players coming back You can see the players coming back

out for the second half. There are so many ways to access Ireland

against England tomorrow. You can even see it on the app. No excuse

for not keeping up with what is happening. Match Of The Day tonight

features Chelsea against Wigan, Also, we have highlights of the Six

Also, we have highlights of the Six Nations championship so far

tomorrow night on BBC One. Just a quick word from the Italian

perspective. They have not found things as easy this week. How much

of a test is this second half of the new Italy? What is most

important for them is the next score. If Scotland's cornice,

suddenly, Italy are chasing the game. -- if Scotland scored next.

It is a poor and for Scotland to turn the screw on Italy. -- it is

important. Let's go back to the commentary

either side at the second this like a start of the second half. -- at

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the distance, and Italy claim Andre Masi was never going to be

able to take that. A clever kick tackling has this time refusing to

scrappy. LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO: the referee is

making the Italians use the ball very quickly from the base. I know

that all referees are saying to move it on, but the Italians are

being given very little time. They are struggling to get themselves

reorganise the game. Luciano Orquera made the right choice, but

he did not have the room. Scotland's lines beat dictated

that he had to kick. -- line speed. A great example of them being

go through. He gets the try! A fabulous start to the second half

by Scotland, and they inside Centre has got the try. This is the new

Scotland. It is fantastic to see. Matt Scott, who I am a real fan of,

he has not had the easiest time coming into the Scotland team. He

has tried so hard. What a great move. Watch this. Sean Maitland

comes in off the right wing. A great offload to Matt Scott, who

has the pace. Watch this play. Maitland comes in off the blindside.

Lamont comes as a decoy. Matt Scott finishes it off. Great score.

happy! The fist is up. In terms of Italy numbering up, they got the

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Last week, Laidlaw had a torrid time. Today, he is not having an

armchair ride by any stretch, but is able to control the game and

but from an Italian perspective, they have given away soft tries.

That was straight from first-phase. It was excellent the taken by a

Scotland, but to give away her tries from first-phase at

international level is simply not good enough if they are going to

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the line! Another sensational score from the Scottish full back. He did

it at Twickenham last week and he has done it at Murrayfield here

today. This place has just gone wild. 30 seconds before that, Italy

look like they were going to get right back in the game. Stuart Hogg

read this situation so well, and ran 80 metres. Hogg weeks it's so

well. Orquera, it looked like a try for Italy. But Hogg we'd sit and

then he steps and goes. All those Italian forwards have got no chance

to get back. Fantastic drive from Stuart Hogg. Poor old four-team

Polly, his troubles and date goes on. Stuart Hogg had made the early

announcement that he was going to go for the intercept. And I think

Orquera has been replaced by a Kris Burton. He will be desperately

disappointed. But all credit to another excellent kick. Two tries

at the start of this second half and a commanding performance from

Scotland. Stuart Hogg, my goodness me, two staggeringly good tries in

this championship already. build up play from its Lee was

superb. Masi did all the right things and it could so easily have

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Orquera. With the scoreline, you have to force things. He tried

think that perhaps are not on. -- things like that that can get you

on the plane took Australia in the summer. Very much so. He is

certainly the bright spark for Scotland, last week he came to life.

And he has got himself on the scoresheet again. You can only keep

scoring, keep putting your name up there. This is unimportant last 30

minutes for Scotland. For the rest of the competition, if they can

push on from here and get a really good victory, it sets them up for

two further home games against Ireland and Wales. Certainly the

way that Italy are playing, even though they are down, they are

still coming at Scotland. But they are making mistakes and Scotland

will be able to capitalise on those mistakes. Italy need to find

something within themselves here. They had made the changes at half

Setting the scrummage has been a painful process for much of the day.

they're allowing Italy back into the game. On every other scrum so

far, Scotland have been solid. So row for Scotland in the form of

Gray and Hamilton. Plenty of height, power and bulk. Penalty for Italy.

Three points at this stage not relieve that useful for them. --

moments for the Italians, you feel, given the way that the second half

has fallen for them in the opening 15 minutes or so. Very much so.

They have to realise that there is just under 30 minutes left in this

game, which is a very long time. releasing. Slow ball, and the kick

has not worked out and the referee will call them back. I think he

will go into the pocket here because he said new advantage. Two

or three penalties have been offended. REFEREE: Number five

collapsed and then you not releasing. He is saying there were

three consecutive penalties there. He could had deemed it was a yellow

card there, but he did not, but I think he will the next time.

Ensuing scrummage and beyond, the patience will wear thin at some

point. A slightly furrowed brow for the time being on the face of Scott

Johnson. As a former number 8 myself, these of the attacking

opportunities that you really enjoyed. A strong enough scrum to

win your own ball and I am sure Parisse will be looking to launch

another scrum to follow. previous scrum clearly was a lapse

of concentration because that looked pretty rock solid. Looking

at the time ticking away there and the score line, Italy do not want

to series off we set scrums. They want to get the ball in solid. Let

them just play and get a Parisse launching into Jackson or going for

some face play and testing the just about sums up their afternoon.

An arm there from Harley, and that is absolutely legal. That is at

slip be fine. I would be having a word with my fellow flanker and

saying they you need to protect -- protect me there. I do not think

Parisse was particularly slow in picking the ball up. Good play from

the Scottish flanker. Another scrum, see just what that means to them.

The Italians not happy. What I liked there was that Hogg and Scott

came in and congratulated the Scottish forwards. Psychologically,

that was a big thing for Scotland. And the backs came in and

congratulated them. It is interesting, because we have heard

people talking about the fundamentals. The game of rugby is

about getting the basics right. Last weekend against France, Italy

did all the simple things really well. Today, Scotland are putting

the Italian basics under pressure and as a result, it surely have no

platform from which to launch their attacks. And after all that time

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spent inside the Scottish 22, they Scottish defence is up quick. Minto

again, who has been at the front of Italians. -- good continuity from

the Italians. The advantage is there for them. A penalty to Italy.

Eventually the referee lost patience. The referee penalised

Jackson for not running away. The thing about the score board now is

that Scotland know they can give away penalties. It is not like

Italy can even kick a goal, they owe us are far behind. -- they are

so far behind. He got a boot in the nether regions. He is not making

any attempt to get away there. it was close, they would be getting

out of the way very quickly. You don't want to give that a penalty

away. Some replacements. Lo Cicero, a Surrey way for him to celebrate

his cap. Ghiraldini, too. Sitter Deni and de Giazzon come on. --

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sitter Deeney. -- Cittadini and look at the scrum again. France-

Wales is up next. And tomorrow, from Dublin, Ireland against

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England. Two unbeaten teens. -- feel it at all. What a hit! He has

been a great performer. You don't want to run down there. I and you

saw one of them. I don't know why I didn't see the 20 stone

turned by the Scottish. 18 minutes left to play. It has not been a

happy afternoon for Sergio Parisse and his troops. This will be a test

for Italy. They have read the lion's share of possession in the

last 10 minutes. -- they have had. Now it is their turn to defend. In

your own 22, 17 points down, that is a long way to come back. It has

almost been the perfect game for the Scottish. These are the tries.

A great finish from a guy who knows where the try-line is. Matt Scott

has the gas this time to get across. This one was arguably created by

its Lee but finished off -- by Italy but finished off by Scotland.

The other thing is that Scotland have found the try-line again. They

found it difficult to get over the line before. Now they already have

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three tries. Two last week as well height and weight. Richard Gray, a

great rugby player. You are not going anywhere, son. You are going

into touch. It gave him an opportunity. He wrapped his beak

and surrounded and managed to force him into touch. -- his big hands

around it. Castrogiovanni makes way. He will be back for further battles

throughout this championship, no doubt. But Scotland are pressing,

looking for their fourth try of the afternoon. Just seven or eight

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Can they make it pay? Scott in the corner! It is to for him four for

Scotland. -- two for him. Four for Scotland. But it is a forward pass.

I think the touch judge gave him the confirmation he needed that it

was a forward pass. Let's have a look. A good angle. Just. Have to

say, it is all about the hands. If they go forward and it is a forward

pass. If they go back or sideways, it is not a forward pass, even if

the ball goes forwards. He had no room to work with, either, did he?

Just fractionally forward. You can see 10 passes like that in a game

not given as a forward pass. That would be my argument. You would see

a lot more arguing from the players if the score was close as well.

Italy can breathe again thanks to a free kick. They just want to clear

the ball out of the danger area for little different to the Scottish

back division. He is just a classic rugby player who has grown up in

New Zealand. He is a really intelligent rugby player. He makes

good decisions at the right time. He doesn't do anything flash. He

just does the right things at the right time. Kellock goes on for Jim

Sometimes it is difficult when you have a cushion of this size,

sometimes difficult to maintain the focus all the time. When you get

hit like this, though, it focuses the concentration. That is a great

hit. He has smashed Matt Scott. tell you what else doesn't help,

and I know it is a facet of the modern game, but lots and lots of

substitutions. You want to get some rhythm to the game. You use that

sort of pattern that you had. -- you Rus. More replacements on to

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an Italian mother. Benvenuti has a suggestion of a back-pass. They

fabulous from Scotland. This time it is Lamont. It has been a real

try drought for the Scotsman. But he has now scored his ninth

international score. Only one try in his last 42 internationals. But

he has struck again. A real individual try as well. He

recognised that the ball was out, according to the referee. He went

straight through the middle of the ruck. It will be interesting to see

where it came from. No, no, the ball was out. I think he kicked it

through the ruck. The Italian car was no way to be seen. The that

encapsulates Scotland's attitude. They have been really aggressive.

He could have gone out there to defend the next phase. But no, he

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something in the dying minutes now. in the front row. I think the

Scottish coaches will be satisfied with the contact came and the

attitude. Not so much the tries. As he said, the tries come from the

fundamentals being in place. They have given the Italians no let up,

no breathing space. The line speed has been very impressive. They have

the Scottish half. That is against very much so. They did not win any

of their five games here in 2012. But it has been a different matter

today. Scotland have been well worth this lead. They had been a

few players that they played very well, and he has been one of them.

What an impact he has made in the Six Nations so far. Terrific game

for Stuart Hogg but he is being replaced by Max Evans. He comes on

the floor. Scrum to Italy. Seven carries, 120 metres made. He can be

very pleased with his work. It is not just today, he has really back

up from last week where he had a good performance for Scotland.

Scotland, will want to shut it to the bait. -- shut it to leap out. -

Was the Scottish flanker held there? It looks like he was because

there seem to be quite a big gap. Denton is definitely being held

there. And epic cap which Zanni is Beattie here? Number 8 should be

in that hole. He is on the ground. He tripped over. And Zanni went

through exactly the channel that Beattie should have been in.

knows, he knows it his his fault. I thought he may have been held in by

one of the flankers, but he just tripped and left the hole there.

Zanni one of the more dependable characters inside the Italian line

up. He has played in the last 45 Test matches. Here comes Henry

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Pyrgos. He will win his 5th cap in is still there. Here is the try.

The foot of Richie Gray comes up and Beattie tripped over it and

then Zanni goes through the hole but was left. Just a handful of

minutes left. The Italians trying to press in these dying moments.

You usually, and that possession statistic shows the story than they

are in control. It tells the story that Scotland have defended

through the Scottish team, they are trying things from well within

their own half. About time you turned your attention to man of the

match. They have been a lot of very good performers. Robert Harley has

had a very good game at blindside. I think Stuart Hogg has enhanced

his reputation. But for me, the manse of the match is the scrum-

half, Greig Laidlaw, for his control of the game, which has been

alongside Euan Murray. Well Fred had such a difficult time last week

but it was all about being on the back foot -- Laidlaw. So many

people have contributed to him being man of the match. They gave

him the platform. And I think Robert Harley Pushkin really hard.

On his first start for Scotland in the Six Nations. This was a much

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heralded Italian pack and Scotland can look forward with Compton and

snow two matches at home against the Irish and the Welsh, as the

clock goes dead. Italy come one final time. It is the way the

pattern of the game has gone. Some outstanding Scottish defence as

Italy break. That will be that. A yellow card. Just to finish

proceedings off. There will be a penalty, but that will be the final

play. It took a while to get the card out but he seems to have found

Scotland have them win. Backs against the wall today, at the

Scott Johnson project is up and running now. They have dug out a

fine victory which breathes life into their Six Nations Championship.

A very good performance from Scotland. Probably as good as we

have seen for a number of years in every aspect. They got the reaction

that they wanted from last week, which was a bit of attitude in

attack and a bit of attitude in defence. That last passage of play

summed it up, the game was over, Scotland could have kicked out but

they wanted to score another. It was a really uplifting performance.

From the Italian point of view, the Italian revolution is on hold for

one more game. They have realised the start reality of international

rugby, if you do not do the basics right, if you do not set a platform,

you cannot build on that. But they book regroup. They will go back to

the Stadio Olimpico, which has been the real base for where they

produced their best performances, against a Welsh side who wallow in

confidence. Scotland, then, much- How good it appealed be part of

that. It is brilliant. We are delighted for the crowd. It has

been at half time. This one is for them. What was the difference this

week? This was an emphatic victory. Scott Johnson talked about the week

there we have to do the dirty we, as he called it, and we have done

that today. Every one of the forwards did their job and I had an

easy ride today. All credit to all of the Scottish boys. A word on

this defence, 100 % commitment. that is what we spoke about, taking

Arab nation on to the field, and what it is to play for Scotland. --

kicking Paris motion. Ireland next. You get a bit of a break, but

you're we fitter well for that one? Yes, a couple of weeks away now. We

need to go away and understand why we won this game and take it from

This is how the table looks. We had that Johnson quote at the beginning

about rugby statistics being like a about rugby statistics being like a

bikini. They show a lot but not the whole thing. Look at the tackles

made by Scotland. 146. In the second half, possession was 72%

second half, possession was 72% Italy. And yet Scotland win 34-10.

Explain that, Chris Paterson. down suit accuracy. -- down to

accuracy. The two early tries were both from first-phase play. The

others came from counter-attacks. And defence, apart from the one

slip at the end, the line was impregnable. It was. Not only the

line speed in the game, but the extra power in the tackles. Off the

back of that, they were trying to slow down the ball. Scotland only

missed 12 tackles. He made the point at half-time that the first

school would be key. -- the first score. Fundamental weakness from

Italy in the first phase. Lamont Italy in the first phase. Lamont

comes in there. A great support line for Matt Scott. So often we

see Scotland break on the line and not finish it off. That is a great

example of a step forward. They it is a good example of his

They it is a good example of his ability. He is aware that Matisse

got his outside him. -- Matt Scott is outside him stop we say a week

is a long time in sport. Luciano Orquera had a very indifferent game

today. He is quite a good attacking player. But he just makes the wrong

decision here. It is easy to say so here. But Stuart Hogg got that. He

is an out and out opportunist. I can guarantee he had a big smile on

his face when running those 100 yards. That is a very long pitch!

Two tries in a week. He is running 80 metres plus. He was shackled

pretty well today. But Borlee needs is half an opportunity. -- all he

needs. That is it. Get off! Scotland scored six tries in the

championship so far. All of them have been scored by back five

players. In the past, you might struggle to get over the try-line.

Six buy back five players is testament to the work they have

done. There was a period in the second half where Italy were camps

in the Scottish half. This is Euan Murray's day job, if you like. That

is great from a squat point of view. It shows priding NEWLINE. -- squad

point of view. It shows pride in a your line. You can do all you want

on the training field. When it actually comes to the Saturday, who

were the orchestrators? Who is saying, have your line, have a good

speed? Do usually have a couple of defensive players. -- you. I

thought the back-row in defence where exceptional today. Johnnie

Beattie made a couple of great hits up higher. Brown did his usual, he

is a workhorse. It was so important for Scotland to do that. When you

have not scored an international try for years, when you get an

opportunity, you can tell from his reaction what it means to him.

is another example of Scotland challenging the breakdown. Lamont

is the first to react. It is perfectly legal. The defence was

fantastic. They were disappointed with the number of tackles last

week. Kelly Brown, a fantastic effort. The Scotland coach will be

happy. A happy man indeed. What did you

make of that, not just the victory but the manner of it? Alight the

intend. -- I liked the intent. We were aggressive. We had our chances

and we scored off them. It is a great sign of things to come for

this team. But it amounts to nothing if you don't, in two weeks,

do it all again. You have just come straight from the dressing room.

What did you say to the players? said well done to a few players. We

were under pressure in the scrums. I wanted to congratulate them

because they have put in a hard week. You can get caught and down

about last week, but they cut back on the horse pretty quick.

quickly do you turn your thoughts to Ireland? Already, really. We are

enjoying the night. There's a period of time with you can enjoy

each other's company, and we would do that for about 15 minutes, and

then we will get back to the hotel. We will enjoy tonight, but as soon

as we reassemble on Tuesday, we will be all on far Ireland. A tough

job for man of the match. But Laidlaw got the nod. We wondered if

he was an international scrum-half. He has certainly answer to that.

is a wonderful technician. He thinks in front of people. Not the

most gifted athlete, as he knows, but the fact is he is so much to go

because his mind works at a different pace. I'm proud of him.

It has not been easy for him, he is special. Enjoy the win. Thank you.

Thank you. Let's find out Lawrence Dallaglio's

final thoughts. Andy, you have been here on May dark days. How is this?

A very died -- dark -- many dark days. Every Scottish fan will just

have enjoyed this victory because of the manner of it. Scotland went

into them. They were aggressive. There was intent. There was

everything you would want to see in a rugby team. It is hard to show

that, and it was last week at Twickenham. Today, they never

relaxed. Lawrence, as a foraging forward, what did you make of the

Scottish back row? I thought the performance of the entire pack was

outstanding. What really impressed me was really closing down the time

and the space that Italy had on the ball. Last week making a were able

to play. They put the ball into hands. The line speed from the

Scottish team... Kellock put in another great performance. Very

impressed. Scotland can build on this. I think we heard from Scott

Johnson. It has given the team some confidence. Thank you very much,

guys. A cricked -- quick thought about Italy. They were still

playing up rugby until the final whistle, which we have not been

used to in the past. They have got a doctrine and they are going to

keep to it. They showed a one or two opportunities in the first half.

They are a physical side, but away from home in international rugby is

difficult. Why is it so much harder? Who knows. Through all my

career, you used to look at it. It is the same number of people on the

field. I think it is momentum. They had momentum against France. They

lost it here. They will regroup, look at the video and try to turn

it around. But there's good players in the side. You could see how

disappointed Sergio Parisse was, but also that they had an

expectation that they might win. The margin of the defeat is a real

blow. They had a fantastic victory over the favourites last week.

Scotland, last week and the way down at Twickenham. It is such a

hard place to win. -- Scotland, last week, were down in Twickenham.

We're proud of the wider Scotland played. They came will to attack.

Italy came out with the same mind set, but it did not come off. It is

great that Italy have made the step into attacking rugby. There's les

kicking and slow play. They are worth coming to watch now. We said

at the start, Scotland, three home games on the trot, making a move

for the title. If they beat Ireland, Wales, you know... It is a long way

away! And they will be looking forward to the game later this

evening. Ireland's come here for a Sunday fixture. They will know a

lot more then. We have had some pretty one-

dimensional matches over the years between Scotland and Italy, but

that has kept the momentum going from last weekend. Is that 20 tries