Scotland will be out for revenge on Saturday as they take on Italy at Murrayfield in their opening fixture of the 2025 Six Nations. Last year's encounter between these two sides saw the Italians secure their first Six Nations home win in 11 years,

Scotland's Stafford McDowall will earn a ninth cap at inside centre in place of injured captain Sione Tuipulotu in an otherwise experienced backline to face Italy in their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Dave Cherry, 34, has been named as Scotland's starting hooker. Cherry last played for Scotland in the 2023 Rugby World Cup opener against eventual winners South Africa in Marseille but was withdrawn from the squad shortly after suffering a concussion in a fall at the team hotel.

Dave Cherry and Jonny Gray earn first caps in two years as Stafford McDowall replaces injured captain Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre for Scotland's opening Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday.