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Scotland's Six Nations opener: Kinghorn dropped!
5 Feb
Summary
- Blair Kinghorn dropped for Scotland's Six Nations opener against Italy.
- Tom Jordan starts at full-back, Jamie Dobie gets first Six Nations start.
- Jack Dempsey overcomes foot injury to start at No. 8.
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend views the upcoming Six Nations opener against Italy as a privilege rather than pressure. The match marks Scotland's return to Rome for the first time since a disappointing defeat in March 2024.
Significant team adjustments have been made for this opening fixture. Key among them is the omission of Blair Kinghorn, a British and Irish Lion, from the starting lineup. Tom Jordan will instead occupy the full-back position.
Jamie Dobie has earned his debut Six Nations start on the wing, partnering Kyle Steyn. This selection comes as Edinburgh's Darcy Graham and Duhan van der Merwe have struggled with form. Graham is on the bench, but Van der Merwe, Scotland's leading try-scorer, is not in the matchday 23.
Despite a recent foot injury, Jack Dempsey has been included in the starting XV at No. 8. This team selection aims for a strong start to the tournament, looking to improve upon last year's fourth-place finish.
