Scotland

against

Italy

has become the perennial battle to avoid the Six Nations’ wooden spoon.

Only once since 2008 have the two sides not finished fifth and sixth in the table. In that time Italy have only been ahead of Scotland in the final standings once. When the sides step out at Murrayfield today, each looking for their first win, both know defeat could leave them with the booby prize again.

Despite Scotland's recent superiority Vern Cotter knows Italy are not to be underestimated. "We're very wary and feel they have improved," he said. "They are a team that will be targeting this game so we must be prepared to roll up our sleeves and work very hard to get a result."

Digging deep is exactly what got Scotland over the line a year ago when they faced Italy in Rome. Having fought back from a 13-3 halftime deficit, a converted Josh Furno try had put the hosts two points clear before a Duncan Weir dropgoal with 15 seconds remaining snatched a dramatic 21-20 win.

Great chance

Cotter’s team can take heart, if no points, from their opening two games where they narrowly missed out against France and Wales but will view a home match with Italy as a great chance to open their account.

“It’s a game that I think we have prepared well for and it will come down to getting things right on the day,” the coach said. “They are a big, physical team – bigger than us – so we will have to be technically strong and well connected as a group to withstand what will be a strong assault on our defensive line.”

Six changes

Italy have edged Scotland on six occasions since 2000. They have, however, lost seven

Six Nations

matches in a row but, spearheaded by captain Sergio Parisse, have the power in their pack to make themselves a threat.

Injuries have got their teeth into Italy, quite literally, after influential prop Martin Castrogiovanni was bitten on the nose by a dog. Jacques Brunel has made six changes, including naming two debutants.

“Scotland is a team we have struggled to beat in recent years,” the coach said. “They have also lost their two opening games but not by a big margin. They don’t seem to have major weaknesses. It’s going to be a difficult game, but I expect a lot more from my team.”

Scotland, on home soil, are favourites to win and will be hoping to build on the positives from their opening performances. – (Guardian service)