Scotland player ratings vs Italy: 2026 Six Nations

Saturday, 07 February 2026 at 16:02

byGeorge Wellbelove

Scotland player ratings vs Italy as pressure ramped up on head coach Gregor Townsend following a shock Six Nations defeat in Rome.

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Scotland’s Six Nations campaign is already on the brink after a morale-sapping opening defeat to Italy in a rain-lashed Rome.

Just as they did in 2024, the Azzurri had the Scots reeling early doors. This time there was no comeback miracle for Gregor Townsend’s side as Italy blasted into a 12-point lead and never truly let go.

Scotland rallied late and trimmed the deficit to three by the final whistle, but it was far too little, far too late. Italy’s fast start, dominant set-piece and far cleaner discipline proved decisive, leaving Scotland soaked, stunned and staring at another long championship.

Scroll down for Scotland player ratings vs Italy.

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ITALY 18

SCOTLAND 15

POLL:

SCOTLAND PLAYER RATINGS VS ITALY:

15. Tom Jordan - 4

Caught out in no man’s land for Italy’s first try as a grubber kick was sent careering past him. Had a moment of brilliant defence to chase down Monty Ioane in a broken field of play. Unable to find a fellow colleague in pink with a pass from a promising position.

14. Kyle Steyn - 4

Very flat on the edge defence and could only watch Menoncello run in Italy’s second try. Did not receive much ball through his channel, perhaps due to the weather.

13. Huw Jones - 3

Barely touched the ball in the first half and little impact on Scotland’s battle to try and get back into the match. Strange performance.

12. Sione Tuipulotu (c) - 4

Offered a couple of dangerous moments as he tried to explore space in the wide areas, only to be foiled by the slippy surface. Did not live up to his usual livewire self and could not drag his side over the gainline.

11. Jamie Dobie - 3

Again, another Scottish error stopped a promising period of momentum. Later, Dobie was adjudged to have taken Menoncello out in the way after chipping the ball through. Needed to work more off his wing to try and find the ball. Replaced by Darcy Graham on the 50th minute.

10. Finn Russell - 5

An outstanding kick from a penalty just before the quarter-way mark put Scotland into an attacking position, only to be spilled from the set piece. Kicked the ball out on the full from a restart, which resulted in Italy winning a penalty.

9. Ben White - 4

Good commanding of his forwards and correct decision to keep it in hand for Dempsey’s try, but that was about it. Unable to affect the aerial battle through his box kicking and was overshadowed by his replacement.

1. Pierre Schoeman - 4

Brought off briefly for an HIA before returning to the field. Immediately, the loosehead was under pressure from a revved-up Italian scrum and conceded a penalty.

2. Ewan Ashman - 3

At the centre of the attacking phases on Italy’s try line. A couple of strong carries. Threw a lineout too long at the start of the second half, which gave the home side a chance to break away. Unbelievably, Scotland’s two next lineouts were lost from their own throw. Gave away a penalty for a high tackle just before being replaced by George Turner.

3. Zander Fagerson - 4

Lost the ball in contact in the 16th minute as Italy’s defence remained on top. Dominated in the scrum battle.

4. Scott Cummings - 4

Penalised for jumping across the lineout, allowing Italy to extend their lead through a Garbisi penalty. Not a great performance.

5. Grant Gilchrist - 4

Gave away a penalty in the 12th minute for obstruction as Scotland were gathering momentum. Gregor Brown replaced him early in the second half after a disappointing performance from the second row.

6. Matt Fagerson - 4

Did not have a presence within the match and as a result, Italy dominated the breakdown and set piece. A day to forget.

7. Rory Darge - 3

Not his usual, barnstorming self. Italy did well to shut him down through some aggressive tackles. Unable to affect the breakdown with his jackalling skills.

8. Jack Dempsey - 6

Momentarily halted Italy’s supremacy over the first half by showing off his footwork to crash over for Scotland’s first score. One of only three bright sparks in the Scotland side.

REPLACEMENTS:

16. George Turner - 2

Came on for Ashman to try and reverse Scotland’s fortunes in the lineout. He was unsuccessful at first and found himself shortly back on the sidelines after receiving a yellow card for a dangerous clearout.

17. Nathan McBeth - 4

Came on early for Schoeman at the half hour mark due to a head injury assessment. Part of the disfunctioning set piece.

18. Elliot Millar-Mills - 4

Gave away a needless penalty for hands in the ruck. Could not change the way the scrum was going as Italy continued to cause problems.

19. Max Williamson - 4

Nothing important to note. Added no impetus in Scotland’s quest to try and take a result away from the match.

20. Gregor Brown - 4

Spilled a lineout late on after a couple of other knock ons when he came on. Not helped by the awful weather and was reprieved by Italy conceding a penalty in the lineout.

21. George Horne - 6

Added much needed urgency and tenacity to Scotland’s gameplan when he came on. Got an important try as he outpaced two Italian defenders in a small amount of space down the blindside. Staked a claim to start in the next match.

22. Adam Hastings - N/A

23. Darcy Graham - 6

Showed his aerial prowess with a great take in the air despite the wet conditions. Needs to start the remaining games in this year’s tournament otherwise Scotland could be in serious trouble.