Scotland made to toil for victory in Rome

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Centre Chris Harris crossed for two of Scotland’s five tries in a Six Nations win over Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Though Scotland held the lead for 63 minutes of the match, Italy refused to stick to their perennial role as whipping boys.

Flyhalf Paolo Garbisi put the hosts into a three-point lead two minutes after kick-off. They were overhauled by Scotland at the end of the first quarter, when Sam Johnson and his centre partner Harris dotted down in quick succession.

Italy replied with a converted try from lock Callum Braley before Harris broke through to make it 19-10 in Scotland’s favour at the break.

That advantage stretched by seven points when Darcy Graham crossed seven minutes after the restart and the try was converted by flyhalf Finn Russell. And, when Garbisi missed a penalty and Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg scored a try to make it 33-10, it appeared Italy was sticking to the script.

But the Azzurri saved their best for last, deploying rapid wing Ange Capuozzo and the rookie came off the bench to mark his debut in style, finishing two scoring opportunities, one converted by Garbisi, to add some respect to the final score of 33-22.

 

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Zelim Nel