Scotland lost in Rome for the first time since 2012 as their Six Nations title hopes were shredded by a stirring second-half comeback from Italy.
The hosts won 31-29 amid raucous scenes at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico after the Scots threw away a 22-10 lead. They will now go to Dublin next weekend to scrap for the minor places but with the consolation prize of the Triple Crown still up for grabs.
It was a hugely disappointing outcome and brings to an end Scotland’s run of 13 consecutive victories over Italy, but there was joy unconfined for the home side and scenes of great emotion on the pitch. This was their first home win in the Six Nations for 11 years and they deserved to celebrate accordingly.
We give each starter for Scotland a mark out of ten for their performance at the Stadio Olimpico.
5. Scott Cummings
Good at lineout and only Turner made more successful tackles than him for Scotland but was among those guilty of giving away penalties as the game slipped away in the second half. 6 Photo: Adam Davy
6. Andy Christie
Dynamic first-half showing from the Saracens man who was starting for Scotland for the first time. Made a great interception and then had a surging 50-metre run. Faded after the break and was another guilty of conceding a penalty but was one of Scotland’s brighter players. 7 Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI
7. Rory Darge
Sets such high standards that this performance felt a little below par. Didn’t do anything wrong particularly but failed to exert his usual influence and made way for Jamie Ritchie with 10 minutes remaining. 6 Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI
8. Jack Dempsey
Took the game to Italy with ball in hand and stood up when others were fading. Didn’t get the result his performance deserved. 7 Photo: Adam Davy