A Six Nations clash in Rome witnessed Scotland’s first defeat against Italy since 2015, marking a detrimental turn for Scotland’s campaign which previously seemed on track for their first top-two victory in the 21st century. A booming first half saw Scotland ahead with scores of 14-3 and 22-10, thanks to successful tries by Zander Fagerson and Pierre Schoeman, amidst Kyle Steyn’s score.
After half-time however, Scotland drastically lost their control of the game leading to a 31-29 surrender against Italy. Despite the Italian side’s recent lacklustre performance within the Six Nations series, their home ground, the Stadio Olimpico, was fueled with optimistic spectators. This loss could lead to intensified scrutiny on Gregor Townsend, the Scottish coach, following their premature exit from the World Cup group stage five months ago.
Initially, Italy found an opportunity to score due to a rule-breaking move by Scotland immediately after the starting kick-off, which Paolo Garbisi leveraged. Despite the ball’s untimely dislodging from the tee and an ongoing clock, Garbisi managed to secure a successful kick.
Briefly afterwards, Scotland retrieved control with Fagerson’s forceful try in close range following a prolonged attempt within Italy’s 22. This was followed by a successful conversion by Finn Russell. A second Scottish try, made possible by a swift, rightward ball movement, engaged Blair Kinghorn and Steyn, with Steyn effectively skirting past two Italian defenders.
Nonetheless, the Italian team retorted with their own offensive with Martin Page-Relo’s astute kick being wonderfully fielded by centre Juan Ignacio Brex who scored adjacent to the posts. Capitalizing on this momentum, Scotland, after receiving a penalty kick by Russell, enlisted Schoeman who marked their third try of the match after an assist from George Turner in the 28th minute, but Russell’s subsequent conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Italy demonstrated their prowess in the first half of the game, successfully decreasing their deficit to 22-16 due to the commendable penalty kicks executed by Garbisi and Page-Relo, the latter hitting the mark from nearly mid-field. Scotland believed they added to their lead at the onset of the second half when their halfback, George Horne, made a run for it following exceptional gameplay by Huw Jones that set him up. Unfortunately, it was dismissed as Schoeman was alleged to have committed a violation earlier.
Schoeman’s avoidable offensive act had significant consequences. Shortly afterward, Italy came within one point of Scotland’s score due to debutant Louis Lynagh, the progeny of the ex-Australian national player, Michael. He received Garbisi’s kick and swiftly made it past the line. However, Garbisi missed a golden chance to secure the lead for his team when his conversion bid hit the post.
The Scottish team faced a nerve-wracking 57th minute when Italy gained the upper hand as substitute halfback Stephen Varney identified a weakness in the Scottish defence between Andy Christie and Jack Dempsey, and scored. Garbisi didn’t miss this time around.
Garbisi subsequently landed a critical penalty from afar, padding Italy’s lead by nine points with just seven minutes left on the clock – this put the Scots in high-stress mode. Sam Skinner, the substitute lock who saw his winning goal against France denied a month ago, muscled his way across the line with only two minutes remaining. Russell’s successful conversion brought the Scots to within a whisker of tying the game, creating a nail-biting ending.
However, Scotland couldn’t scrape together another score. As Italy rejoiced in their infrequent, but fully worthwhile conquest, the Scottish team sunk to the ground in overwhelming disappointment, as their campaign which initially held much promise was obliterated in Rome.