Scotland players rated after Six Nations defeat in Rome

Kyle Steyn: Did well to score Scotland’s third try and he was a threat throughout the first period as the Italians seemed to focus more on stopping Duhan van der Merwe on the other wing. Not involved enough in the second half. 6

Huw Jones: At times he looked a real threat and played his part in a very good first half. Had some good runs too in the second but not quite at the level he has shown previously in this championship. 5

Cam Redpath: In for a start and he struggled in the centre in this one. Had a difficult second half in particular but that was the whole Scotland team and it was obvious that Sione Tuipulotu was missed by the team. 5

Duhan van der Merwe: He’s often Scotland’s main man but he didn’t really get the chance to show it today. Had a try saving tackle defensively but when he got the opportunity to stretch his legs in attack he didn’t really take it. 5

Finn Russell: The captain didn’t really get involved as much as he would have liked to during a second half when Scotland struggled. Had a part to play in the first half and did brilliantly before the third try but more needed from him as a leader. 6

George Horne: In for his first start since the 2019 World Cup and showed that he’s a more than capable deputy for Ben White at this level. A very good performance from him in attack and unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself when he had a try disallowed. 6

READ MORE: Five things we learned as Scotland lose in Italy to end Six Nations title hopes

Pierre Schoeman: Got himself a try but also stopped Scotland getting another one which would have been a bonus point when he was penalised for obstruction. Like everyone else, second half was a struggle. 6

George Turner: Didn’t have a bad game but maybe not at his best either. Seemed to take a sore one before he was replaced after the hour mark as part of multiple changes. 6

Zander Fagerson: Continues to impress at this level and got the third try of his international career in his 66th cap. Did well to get over the line and was strong in the scrum throughout the match too. 6

Grant Gilchrist: Played a big part in the first half and in particular at Pierre Schoeman’s try from the lineout. One of Scotland’s better performers on the day but like everyone else, just couldn’t do enough to get it over the line. 6

Scott Cummings: Similar to his second row partner, he did well in the lineout but the overall performance just wasn’t quite at it on the day. Saw out the 80 minutes though and more was needed from him. 6

Andy Christie: Not his finest performance in the back row and was replaced after an hour by Matt Fagerson. Had one great run towards the end of the first half but didn’t quite bring his club form to test level. 5

Rory Darge: The Scotland co-captain spoke about needing an 80 minute performance but it didn’t come from him in this one either as he had a reasonably good first half before falling away in the second half like the rest of his team. 6

Jack Dempsey: At one stage near the end of the game he found himself out on the wing and maybe that summed up Scotland’s second half. Carried well in the first period though and not one who can be too disappointed with his performance. 6

Replacements

Ewan Ashman: Replaced George Turner with 20 to go and did okay without really offering too much to the game. 4

Alec Hepburn: A similar story for all the replacement forwards as Scotland chased their win. A not bad cameo. 4

Elliot Millar-Mills: Played the last 10 minutes as Zander Fagerson’s replacement and pushed well in the final stages without doing too much. 3

Sam Skinner: An offside allowed Italy to extend their lead but he then scored the try to get Scotland back into it. A mixed 10 minutes. 4

Jamie Ritchie: Replaced Darge with 10 minutes to go and didn’t really offer much. 3

Matt Fagerson: Another that came on after the hour mark and he did okay without being much of a threat. 4

Ali Price: Replaced Horne and appeared to get in Van der Merwe’s way as he looked to race through, not his best showing. 3

Unused: Kyle Rowe