Scotland versus Italy: The Blockbuster we didn't know we needed
It’s a well-trodden path by now, so I won’t labour the point, but last weekend’s Six Nations action managed to showcase some superb athletes and a few highly entertaining flashes, but not a single scoreline which suggests competitiveness. 3-59, 24-7, and 55-0 are about as lopsided as it gets – and not one defeated team crossed the whitewash: Keira Bevan kicked three, Ireland’s entire haul was a penalty try, and Scotland fought valiantly without landing a punch on the scoreboard.
Round three started with a statement, sandwiched a much-needed Italian job, and ended with a cake walk – the impenetrable sort even Chloe Rollie couldn’t slice through. As I write this in a café in Paris (the perk of Vannes being a right nuisance to get to and from), the weekend’s rugby and this croissant feel comparable: the glossy crust of Abby Dow and Sarah Bern, and the buttery decadence of France’s devastating support lines, but the structural integrity of the thing – ultimately – flaky.
For as much fun as this weekend was, and as sun-drenched and enthusiasm-heavy as the sold-out stands at the Arms Park and Stade de la Rabine were, the killer blows in both matches came before half time – and the purchasing of anything other than a Eurostar ticket for the Six Nations trophy still feels a distant prospect.
Did the shockwaves of France’s demolition job in Vannes reach the walls of Twickenham? Did any of the Roses – a day into their recovery already, Croc-clad and sitting pretty at the table’s summit – raise an eyebrow as Emilie Boulard bagged her hattrick? Or as Gabrielle Vernier continued to play the game on the very easiest of difficulty settings?
Romane Menager is back and looked lethal, and both Julie Annery and Maelle Filopon were swift to remind their new coaches that they went to October’s World Cup for a reason. Les Bleues are building week by week, and the anticipation for Super Saturday’s glorious and gargantuan clash only built with each thistly snag they avoided.
That one will be a tussle, and it’ll be fantastic to genuinely not know who’ll win as the teams run out before 50,000. Thankfully, it’s not quite the only remaining match which hangs in the balance, and feels utterly unmissable. Ahead of round four, there’s one fixture you should be etching into your diaries, and that’s Scotland versus Italy. Why? Because there’s a lot at stake, there are some stars in action, and it’s not easy to call.
Let’s start with what’s on the line. Scotland need a win, and they deserve a win which isn’t just beating a wooden spoon-destined Ireland at home. That one’s almost a gimme, and Bryan Easson, Rachel Malcolm, and that entire set-up will want to snap their 12-match losing run with something meatier. Six losses by seven points or fewer, and six by wider margins, since they brushed Colombia aside in Dubai at the end of a heroic World Cup qualification tilt.
Easson said last week that they don’t discuss the streak as a group, and that the focus was on getting wins in the remaining rounds of the Six Nations – but of course they’re aware of it, and of course it’s an added pressure each time they lace up.
Winning is a habit, and losing can prove one, too: beating Italy would be massive for this side. Malcolm has never captained Scotland to a win in this competition – having skippered them 11 times in it. What any of the game’s reporters would give to be the one who gets to interview her when that changes: she’s a complete joy and inspiration, even in defeat.
For Italy – Saturday keeps their top tier WXV hopes alive, and probably sets up a shoot-out for third spot with Wales in Parma. That really would put the ‘Super’ in ‘Super Saturday’: we could well have teams battling it out for the Grand Slam, a spot in WXV tier one, and to swerve the wooden spoon.
Under a new head coach, and after the retirement of some of their greatest ever competitors, the Azzurri are both looking to rebuild – and to back up their history-making exploits in New Zealand. They’re World Cup quarter-finalists, and a side who’ve beaten Wales, France, Japan, and the USA in the past twelve months: they ought to be able to leave Scotland with two wins on the bounce.
More broadly – their men’s team is better than ever before, their U20s finished an unprecedented third in their edition of the tournament, Benetton are European semi-finalists for the first time, and they’ve just announced themselves as would-be World Cup hosts in 2035 and 2037. Italian rugby is as healthy as the engagement figures on anything Beatrice Rigoni-related, and their women want to – to quote Frank Sinatra – be a part of it.
The stars, then. The Lisa Thomson – Helson Nelson axis versus that of Veronica Madia and the mercurial Rigoni. The prospect of each and every player emerging in the most robust available ankle braces, ahead of Chloe Rollie and Vittoria Ostuni Minuzzi shimmying and scorching their way down the DAM Health touchline.
The closing stages duel between prodigious front rowers Elliann Clarke and Anne Young, and Gaia Maris and Sara Seye. The stars of 2025: Meryl Smith, Alyssa D’Inca, Evie Gallagher, and Francesca Sgorbini. We might not see Fran McGhie (who limped off after just eight minutes on Sunday), or Emma Orr (who left on a stretcher after a nasty knock) – but it goes without saying that we fervently hope they’re back soon, and will miss their effervescent contributions very much.
Many of these names have been stifled by the intensity and accuracy of England and France so far, but they’ll get that bit more time and space in round four – and you suspect we’ll get fireworks accordingly.
The unpredictability is because of who they’ve played so far. The gap between the top two and those scrapping it out below them is so enormous that there’s not much you can learn from those scorelines. Cumulatively – Scotland lost by 113 to 7, and Italy 90 – 17.
Performance-wise, the Scots really took it to the Grand Slam champions for the first 20, just as they battled France until the halfway mark this weekend – at which point they stopped making their tackles. Italy were more convincing against Les Bleues, and did at least manage 12 points for their troubles – but they were at home for that opener, and definitely troubled England less than Malcolm and co.
Then, in their other matches, Scotland lost to Wales when they definitely could have won, and an off-colour Italy got over the line against Ireland. If they repeat those performances on Saturday – the hosts edge it, you suspect. On paper, mind, they’re ranked 11th and 5th in the world, and won zero and two matches at the World Cup – so Italy triumph in those particular metrics.
The Azzurri have also nabbed ten of the last eleven between these sides, so – although it’ll be their opponents with home advantage, and there are rumours of attendance records falling up in Scotland this month – history suggests it could be a molto bene afternoon for the visitors.
‘Could have’, ‘suggests’, ‘edge’, and ‘suspect’ in that previous paragraph: how fun! Genuine uncertainty: a collector’s item in 2023. Scotland need a win. Italy need a win. Both sides are full of talent. Heart says ‘Scotland’. Head says ‘Italy’. In reality: either side could do it.
I think April 29th will be the best day in Women’s Six Nations history, but don’t overlook round four, and this tasty little number kicking off at 4:45pm this Saturday. Scotland versus Italy. Should be good.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
1 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to commentsSimple reason for wanting him back. Robertson wants him as captain. Otherwise he wouldn’t be bothering chasing him. Not enough reason to come back just to mentor.
10 Go to commentsI had not considered this topic like this at all, brilliant read. I had been looking at his record at the Waratahs and thought it odd the Crusaders appointed him, then couple that with all that experience and talent departing and boom. They’ve got some great talent developing though, and in all honesty I don’t think anyone would be over confident taking them on in a playoff match, no matter how poor the first half of their season was. I think they can pull a game out of their ass when it counts.
2 Go to commentsNot a bad list but not Porecki and not Donaldson. Not because they are Tahs, or Ex Tahs, they are just not good enough. Edmed should be ahead. Far more potential. Wilson should be 8 and Valentini 6. Wilson needs to be told by his father and his coach, stop bloody running in to brick wall defence. You’re not playing under the genius Thorn any more. He’s a fantastic angle runner. The young new 8 from the Brumbies looks really good too. The Lonegrans are just too small for international rugby as is Paisami, as is Hamish Stewart at 12. Both great at Super Rugby level. Stewart could have been a great 10 if not for Brad Thorn. Uru should be there and so should Tupou. Tupou just needs good Australian coaching which he hasn’t been getting. I don’t think Schmidt will excite him.
2 Go to commentsIf he wants to come back then he should. He will be a major asset to the younger locks and could easily be played as an impact player off the bench coming on in the last 30. He is fit, strong and capable and has all the experience to make up for any loss in physical prowess. He could also be brought back with a view to coaching within the structures one day. Duane Vermeulen played until he was 37 or 38. He is now a roaming coach within the South African coaching structures. He was valuable in the last world cup and has been a major influence on Jasper Wiese and other young players which has helped and accelerated their development and growth. Whitelock could do the exact same thing for NZ
10 Go to commentsBrett Excellent words… finally someone (other than DC) has noted that Hanigan is very hard and very good at doing what Backrow should do… his performance via the Drua sauna was quite daunting for those on the other side… very high tackle count… carries with good end result… constant threat to make a good 20-25 meters with those long legs… providing his mass effectively to crunching the Drua pack… Finally he is returning to quality form… way to much injury time over the last 2 years… smart-strong-competent in his skills… caught every lineout throw aimed at him and delivered clean pass to whoever was down below… and he worked hard for the whole 80 minutes… Ned has to be in the top 5 for backrow honors… He knows what is required as he has been there before…
20 Go to commentsI think Sam Whitelock should not touch a return with a bargepole. He went out on a high, playing in the RWC Final. He would be coming back into a team that will be weaker than last years, and might even be struggling to win games, especially against the Boks. Stay in France, enjoy another year with Pau, playing alongside his brother.
10 Go to commentsRyan Coxon has been very impressive considering he was signed by WF as injury cover whilst Uru has been a standout for QR, surprised neither of those mentioned
2 Go to commentsIt’s the massive value he brings with regard team culture/values, preparation, etc. Can’t buy that. I’m hoping to see the young locks get their chance in the big games though.
10 Go to commentsAll good, Gregor, except that you neglected to mention Sam Darry amongst that talented pool of locks. In fact, given Hannah’s inexperience and the fact that Holland won’t be eligible until next year, Lord and Darry might be the frontrunners this year, to join Barrett, Tuipoluto, Va’ii and possibly Whitelock. In fact there might be room for all of them if Barrett played 6 (like Ollie Chessum).
10 Go to commentsHis value is stabilizing the ship 20 - 40 minutes out from the final whistle plus his valuable experience to the underlings coming through.
10 Go to commentsWhat is criminal is she acts like it's no problem her actions have have cause the Italian player to lose her playing career, lose salary, if she did this in day to day life she would be in jail, she is a complete thug!!!
3 Go to commentsCorrect me if i’m wrong but the sadas have to win all games running into the finals yeh nah?
1 Go to commentsDon’t like Diamond but the maul is a joke, the sight of a choke tackle creating a maul then players in offside positions flopping on it killing the ball but then getting the put in? Banal.
3 Go to commentsHopefully Tabai Matson returns to Crusaders as head coach next season.
1 Go to commentsstorm in a teacup really. Penalty only so play on as the try was scored. Now the real question is: why was Maitland allowed to pass the ball off the floor? That is illegal but refs never pick it up.
1 Go to commentsWhen Beauden Barrett signed his contract before the 2023 RWC to play in Japan in 2024, it was NOT part of a sabbatical agreed to with NZRU prior to his signing, as was Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Barrett changed his mind after the fact and negotiated his return to NZ Rugby and he was given permission to be eligible for All Black selection straight away once he signed a new contract to return to the Blues in 2025. Therefore, why would anyone argue against Whitelock returning to the All Blacks straight away after his season is France is finished if he signs a new contract with NZRU which includes a Super Rugby contract in 2025? If Barrett can, Whitelock should be allowed too.
10 Go to commentsThe All Blacks will select 5 locks this season. Scott Robertson will most likely want to select 2 veteran locks who can start right away in 2024 and 3 young promising locks who he would like to be pushing hard for selection in the starting XV in two years time- 2026. Scott Barrett is a world class lock. Who would you rather start beside him this season against England, South Africa, Ireland, and France- Sam Whitelock or Patrick Tuipulotu? I would choose Whitelock over Tuipulotu all day, every day.
10 Go to comments