Flattering scoreline as Scotland avoid an upset in Florence

Gregor Townsend's Scotland avoids defeat in their opening game of the Autumn Nations Cup in Florence. Italy put in a valiant performance but could not upset Scotland at the same ground they beat the Springboks on in 2016. 

Italy dominated the opening stages of the encounter with their pack impressing. They steamrolled the Scots at the scrum while Gregor Townsend's men were also hit with injuries to Rory Sutherland and Jamie Ritchie. Both players did not return to the field of play.

Paolo Garbisi was accurate from the tee knocking over two penalties as Italy led after 20 minutes. The first of which was in the 6th minute as Scotland were pinged for creeping offside at the ruck and Scotland were guilty of playing the jumper in the air at the lineout for the second.

Duhan van Der Merwe got the Scots on the board after a rolling maul was halted and van Der Merwe ran a crash ball line to score.

Like a hot knife through butter 🔪#AutumnNationsCup #ITAvSCO

pic.twitter.com/MzCwu0hMYY

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) November 14, 2020

Italy hit back immediately with a magnificent team try, Polledri carried the ball into the 22m and offloaded to Minozzi who went over to score in the corner for the Italians. Italy continued to dominate the first half although much of the play leading up to halftime was between the 22m of both sides.

What a score from @Federugby 😍#AutumnNationsCup #ITAvSCO pic.twitter.com/WaEGDzeLYD

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) November 14, 2020

Duncan Weir was disallowed a try in the 45th minute after a forward pass to Weir. The ref resorted again to the TMO in the 49th minute to enquire about a try or no try decision. The try was awarded and Fagerson went over to score after an offload from the ruck 5m from the line, leaving the Italians confused. Cummings ran onto the ball in the 67th minute to crash over the line from close range. To take the scores to 19-17 with the Scots leading.

There was a stoppage in play as the stretcher was called onto the field and Jake Polledri left the field. Late in the second half and the pitch started to tear up, scrums needed to be reset as players lost their footing. Scotland took over the dominance of the two by taking the place to Italy. TMO came again into play late in the second half for another try or no try decision. Powerful maul from the Scots and Turner went over at the back to score.

The TMO overturned the on field decision and awarded the try. Stephen Varney came on to make his debut for the Italians. Duncan Weir started his first test game and put in a remarkable performance. Scotland secured a hard fought bonus victory and goes straight to the top of the log.