Given recent results between Italy and Scotland, nobody is going to be leaving Turin’s Stadio Olimpico early when they lock horns on Saturday.
Both previous meetings have been decided on the final play, with the away side coming out top each time. Should the pattern continue, and it takes the type of last-gasp drop goal with which Duncan Weir ensured success in 2014, then that will more than suit the Scotland captain, Grant Gilchrist. He has been contemplating for some time how to inject the type of momentum that only comes from winning.
Under Vern Cotter, Scotland have lost six matches in a row, and another setback would equal their worst run in the professional era, a record they have endured twice before.
Many are becoming restless, as Gilchrist has acknowledged. “We are definitely going looking to win,” said the second-row. But as he also warned: “Italy are a strong side, especially when they are at home. They win a lot of games and cause a lot of teams problems.”
Gilchrist’s remarks came with a reminder that individualism to the detriment of the team will not be tolerated, especially with the World Cup looming. “There’s a lot going on with other guys getting a chance and trying to put best foot forward,” he said. “The way to do that is doing well together and winning the game. That is what is going to make individuals look better – not just going off individually and trying to impress.”
That stakes are high is not lost on Matt Scott, who has scored two of his three Test tries against Italy. Stressing how little will be served by thinking it could be the only opportunity to press claims, he said: “If you think of it that way it is a scary prospect. You think: ‘Wow, if I drop a couple of balls this weekend that might be me.’ But you can’t go in thinking like that – you’ve got to focus on your own performance and work your hardest.
“Vern’s big on attitude and work rate, so that’s going to be top of my list – make sure I’m doing those correctly and just trust the fact that if I play well enough I’ll hopefully be included.”
For Cotter there is plenty to build on from last week’s narrow defeat to Ireland, when three tries were scored for the first time since 2000. But a recast back row hints at dissatisfaction at the breakdown while a stronger set piece is required.
Cotter would also be pleased not to be put through the sort of emotional wringer that culminated in the glass-walled Scotland coaching box at Murrayfield being smashed moments after Italy had been awarded their winning penalty try this year. No one has owned up, and Cotter would only admit later to being “frustrated”.
Reverberations went across the world, though, with the defence coach, Matt Taylor, revealing this week his mum had emailed afterwards, saying: “I hope that wasn’t you!”
For the record Taylor has denied any involvement.
