A Huw Jones hat-trick inspired Scotland to a nervy 31-19 victory over Italy in their opening Six Nations match at Murrayfield.
Gregor Townsend’s side raced into a 14-0 advantage in the first 10 minutes and led 19-6 at the break through scores from Rory Darge, Jones and Ben White.
But Italy, who fought back from 22-10 down to defeat the Scots 31-29 in Rome last March, once again produced a spirited fightback, with the boot of Tommaso Allan and a breakaway try from Juan Ignacio Brex levelling things up at 19-19 heading into the final quarter.
However, the Scots held their nerve to claim an important bonus point victory as two further tries from Jones took the game away from the Azzurri just as they were starting to scent a first win at Murrayfield for 10 years.
Here is how the Scotland players rated out of 10 for their performance...
13. Huw Jones
Scotland’s hat-trick hero took his international try tally to 22 in 54 Tests. Ran great support lines to be the man on the spot as van der Merwe and Darcy Graham played him in for his first two scores. The third try was the best of the bunch as he stepped inside then used his strength to reach for the line despite the attentions of three Italy defenders. 9 | SNS Group
14. Darcy Graham
Came alive in the second half with a wonderful run which set up Jones’ second try and restored Scotland’s lead. A hugely important moment after Italy had levelled at 19-19. 7 | SNS Group
15. Blair Kinghorn
A real threat, particularly in the first half as he came into the line and linked up well with Jones and van der Merwe. Solid under the high ball. 7 | SNS Group / SRU
16. Replacements
The bench brought fresh energy when needed. Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland, Jack Dempsey (pictured left), Gregor Brown, Jack Dempsey, George Horne and Tom Jordan (pictured right) all came on in the second period after Italy had got back on level terms. Jordan looked good at inside centre and played the pass which led to Jones’ third try. Will Hurd and Kyle Rowe made late cameos. | SNS Group / SRU