'They beat England then they've gone quiet again. Scotland have to beat Italy'

After a promising start to the Guinness Six Nations, Scotland’s campaign has been derailed by two consecutive losses to Wales and France. They travel to Rome this weekend hoping to arrest that slump and lay the platform for a good finish to the Championship.

Gregor Townsend has been boosted by the return of Jonny Gray this week after the lock missed the 36-17 loss to France. However, they are waiting to find out whether winger Duhan van der Merwe is available or not after he picked up a red card playing for Worcester Warriors on Saturday.

When, where and how to watch the match
The match will kick-off at 14:15 (UK) on Saturday March 12th at the Stadio Olimpico and will be broadcast live on ITV in the UK, Virgin Media in Ireland, Stan Sport in Australia and SuperSport in South Africa.

Head-to-head
Scotland have a record of 25 wins and eight losses against Italy with no draws since their first match in 1996. The Scots have won their last ten matches against Italy in all competitions, with their last loss to them coming in the 2015, which was also Italy’s last win in the Championship having now endured 35 winless matches.

Match odds from bet365
bet365 have the handicap on Scotland at +19, with 4/17 odds that they win both halves. Meanwhile, there are also 9/1 odds that Italy earn their first Six Nations win in seven years.

Six Nations Early Payout Offer with bet365*

Single bets paid out as winners, if the team you back goes 15 points ahead – for multiple bets the selection will be marked as a winner.
Only available to new and eligible customers. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply. 18+ BeGambleAware.org

Prediction
Ugo Monye, Danny Care and Chris Jones looked ahed to this match on the Rugby Union Daily podcast this week, with Monye expecting nothing but a Scotland win in light of Italy’s showing so far this Championship.

“This has been the worst showing of an Italian team in the Six Nations,” the former British & Irish Lions winger said. “They’ve scored 16 points in three matches this Six Nations, they’re yet to score a try in the second half of any three games. This is as bad a showing of an Italian side in the Six Nations as we’ve ever seen.”

Care added: “Scotland have to beat Italy. Their fans, you would have noticed, have gone slightly back in their box after they won their one game. They beat England then they’ve gone quiet again.”

*Odds accurate as of 08/03/22.