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.
9. George Horne
A really lively first half from the scrum-half on his first Scotland start since the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Thought he’d scored a try early in the second half but it was disallowed for Schoeman’s obstruction and it all turned sour after that. Replaced by Ali Price on the hour mark. 6 Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI
10. Finn Russell
Not at his sparkiest but did uncork a fine 50:22 that led to Schoeman’s try. He couldn’t convert it, his first misplaced kick of this Six Nations Championship after 18 out of 18. 6 Photo: Adam Davy
11. Duhan Van Der Merwe
A bit flat after his England heroics. The one big chance he did have he took the wrong option, cutting inside when he should have passed to the supporting Price. It was another ‘what might have been’ moment for Scotland. 5 Photo: ALBERTO PIZZOLI
12. Cameron Redpath
Didn’t really provide the hoped-for creativity as he came in for the injured Sione Tuipulotu but did play a part in Sam Skinner’s late try as Scotland chased the game. 5 Photo: Giampiero Sposito