Superb Italy but where did it go wrong for Scotland
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Superb Italy but where did it go wrong for Scotland
Italy were near on perfect in their opening game of the 2026 Six Nations as they secure a win over an unprepared Scotland in torrential rain.
Italy arrived with a great game plan and executed it well, especially in the opening quarter before the heavy rain started. From this platform they were able to keep the pressure on Scotland as the visitors failed to get in the game and impose themselves.
While nothing can be taken away from Italy, and shouldn't, we want to have a look at where it went wrong for Gregor Townsend's side.
- Blair Kinghorn Omission:
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When the squad was announced it was already something that seemed like a strange call but seeing the weather on the day highlighted the decision. Having a player with a canon boot for clearing kicks and three point capabilities from long range would have come in very handy and put aditional pressure on Italy. - Italian Defence:
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One of their best displays on defence witnessed as they propped up the performance with huge defensive sets in the opening quarter as well as the final 10 minutes. They defended for over 30 phases in the last play of the game to secure the win. They kept Scotland from making any line breaks in the game and tackled at a 91% efficiency missing just 20 tackles on the day. - Not Adjusting Their Plan:
In games where you are hit hard and fast to start the clash you need to adjust things, while their gameplan was probably not far off being good they struggled to execute and were unable to gain momentum by winning and compounding moments to work in their favor. They were up against a team that were well prepared and executed exceptionally well while they themselves were unable to get up to the right intensity and get a foothold in the game to put pressure on Italy. - Brexocello > Huwipulotu:
There was no doubt that the big game drivers for Scotland were left in the wake of the Italian midfield who tore apart not only their opposite numbers but the oposition as a whole.
