Scotland Six Nations team to play Italy: back-row calls, winger gets nod, second row poser

Chief Rugby Writer

Published 3rd Feb 2026, 20:00 GMT

Updated 4th Feb 2026, 08:24 GMT

Our rugby writer picks his Scotland team to play at Stadio Olimpico in Six Nations

Scotland open their 2026 Guinness Six Nations campaign on Saturday against Italy in Rome and Gregor Townsend will name his team on Thursday.

There were injury concerns around Jack Dempsey (foot), Jamie Dobie (knee), Dave Cherry (calf) and Ewan Ashman (neck) but all are now on the mend.

Here's what I think the starting XV will look like as the Scots look to make a winning start in the championship for the sixth year in a row.

Edinburgh loosehead expected to be part of an experienced Scotland front row at Stadio Olimpico.

1. Pierre Schoeman

Edinburgh loosehead expected to be part of an experienced Scotland front row at Stadio Olimpico. | SNS Group

Missed recent Edinburgh games with a neck issue but likely to get the nod to start in Rome ahead of George Turner and Dave Cherry.

2. Ewan Ashman

Missed recent Edinburgh games with a neck issue but likely to get the nod to start in Rome ahead of George Turner and Dave Cherry. | SNS Group / SRU

Glasgow tighthead missed the Lions tour through injury but returned to Test duties against Tonga in the autumn.

3. Zander Fagerson

Glasgow tighthead missed the Lions tour through injury but returned to Test duties against Tonga in the autumn. | SNS Group

A stick-on to start in the second row after another consistent season with Glasgow on the back of the Lions tour.

4. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 02: Scott Cummings during a Scotland Rugby training session at the Oriam, on February 02, 2026, in Edinburgh Scotland. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

A stick-on to start in the second row after another consistent season with Glasgow on the back of the Lions tour. | SNS Group / SRU