Scotland's Six Nations campaign got off to the worst possible start with an 18-15 defeat to Italy in Rome.
As ever, optimism was high ahead of the tournament with many Gregor Townsend believing this is the best squad he's ever had, but it was the same old story with more disappointment.
Conditions were abysmal in the Stadio Olympicio but Italy adjusted better and they fully deserved to win. Over 15,000 Scotland fans travelled to Rome and they ultimately deserved much better than the performance from their heroes. Here's how we rated the players on a dismal afternoon.
15. Tom Jordan
Deserved to start at full-back given club form but didn’t really grab the opportunity with two hands. Never really offered anything as an attacking threat but solid enough in defence. Tested repeatedly under the high ball to varied success and dealt best in the air of back three. Kinghorn back next week? 5
14. Kyle Steyn
Disappointing, like every Scotland back. In fairness, Steyn wasn’t afforded many opportunities with ball in hand and that will be a source of frustration. Usually excellent under the high ball, Steyn struggled albeit amid horrendous conditions. The Glasgow Warriors captain has never truly transformed his club form to the international stage. 5
13. Huw Jones
A bad afternoon at the office. Jones can be devastating with the ball in hand but never really looked dangerous. Dropped off a tackle at the start of the second half that led to an Italian breakaway. Threw ball into touch with Scotland enjoying some rare momentum, which summed up his display. 4
12. Sione Tuipulotu
Pretty anonymous. The Scotland captain is a world-class centre on his day, and has rightly been showered in plaudits in recent years but he’s not been in good form this season. Tuipulotu is an outstanding person and a good captain, but his sole focus should be on recapturing his best form. 4
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11. Jamie Dobie
Struggled badly. Dobie has been in the form of his career for Glasgow to earn his start but he was abject. Looked very much like a scrum-half playing on the wing. Poor decision to chip, before correctly penalised for tackling the Italian in the air. Error collecting restart when he stepped into touch. 4
10. Finn Russell
It wasn’t the conditions for Russell’s flamboyant style of rugby but Scotland’s talisman never controlled proceedings. The Bath star’s kicking from hand was wayward and didn’t seem to be a cohesive plan of attack. Russell has rescued Scotland so many times, but not this time. 4
9. Ben White
There’s been considerable talk over who should start at scrum-half but White has unquestionably deserved the jersey, but this was one of his least impressive performances. Box-kicking with aimlessness at points and luckily escaped punishment for charge down. Never got Scotland going and his distribution was below usual standard. 4
1. Pierre Schoeman
Was one of only Scotland players to get over the gainline in first-half but was dominated at the scrum. Immediately after his re-introduction from a blood issue, Schoeman was penalised for standing up in the scrum. Was guilty of the exact same offence in the second half and scrummaging is usually one of his strongest aspects. 4
2. Ewan Ashman
A harrowing evening. His line-out throwing and it was a major factor in the defeat - it was an abomination. Ashman missed his target four times in a row before being taken off and Scotland couldn’t win the ball from line-out. Also lucky to avoid a yellow for a dangerous tackle. 2
3. Zander Fagerson
Fagerson is one of Scotland’s most important players but he even endured a tough afternoon. The set-piece was a major problem for Scotland and that included the scrum. Only Jack Dempsey had more carries than Fagerson (12) but he wasn’t overly effective. 5
4. Scott Cummings
Cummings is an esteemed line-out operator and that’s one of his biggest strengths but it completely malfunctioned and he must shoulder some of the blame. The Glasgow lock typically got through a power of work but he will be frustrated with elements of his performance. 5
5. Grant Gilchrist
Gilchrist has been a stalwart for Scotland and one of Gregor Townsend’s favourites. But his display against Italy showed why it’s time to look to the future. Guilty of conceding two early penalties in the opening 15 minutes. The first for not releasing the ball and the second for a side entry at the breakdown. 4
6. Matt Fagerson
It was a really physical encounter and Fagerson put up a valiant fight. He was always quick to support his teammates at the breakdown but it was a real struggle at times. Took over line-out throws after George Turner’s yellow and Scotland actually won a line-out. Fight to keep place against England. 6
7. Rory Darge
Darge can be proud of his performance and was one of Scotland’s few standouts. The Warriors flanker is a specialist at the breakdown and won two brilliant penalties from jackling deep in his own 22 when Scotland were under pressure. Must keep place next week. 7
8. Jack Dempsey
Scotland’s best player and the team could really do with more men with Dempsey’s bullish mentality. Always turns up by delivering monstrous performances. Nobody carried more (20) and did everything with intent. Rewarded with try and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. 8
Replacements:
16. George Turner
Inexcusable decision with dangerous clear out that badly cost Scotland and lucky just to see yellow. 2
17. Nathan McBeth
Enjoying a good season with Glasgow and fairly decent cameo. 4
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18. Elliot Millar Mills
Conceded an unnecessary penalty after his introduction. 3
19. Max Williamson
Held up at end but deserves opportunity to start. 4
20. Gregor Brown
Excellent impact player for Glasgow but couldn’t affect proceedings. 4
21. George Horne
Fantastic impact. Added real energy and desire. Quick thinking led to deserved try. Was constantly trying to motivate his teammates. 7
22. Adam Hastings
N/A
23. Darcy Graham
Good cameo. Challenged well in air and looked eager to prove point. 6
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