Horne given surprise start for Scotland in Italy Six Nations clash

AFP

Scotland scrum-half George Horne has been handed a surprise start for Saturday's Six Nations clash in Italy, with regular No. 9 Ben White not even in the matchday 23.

Gregor Townsend has made three changes to the side that kicked off in a 30-21 win over England in Edinburgh, with Bath centre Cameron Redpath replacing the injured Sione Tuipulotu and Saracens flanker Andy Christie given a first Test start in place of benched former captain Jamie Ritchie.

Scrum-half Ali Price, yet to feature in the tournament, is among Scotland's replacements for the match at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

Scotland have won two of their three games so far, with victories over Wales and England either side of an agonising loss to France.

Italy drew 13-13 with France in the third round following defeats by England and reigning champions Ireland.

Scotland (15-1)

Blair Kinghorn; Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Cameron Redpath, Duhan van der Merwe; Finn Russell (co-capt, George Horne; Jack Dempsey, Rory Darge (co-capt), Andy Christie; Scott Cummings, Grant Gilchrist; Zander Fagerson, George Turner, Pierre Schoeman

Replacements: Ewan Ashman, Alec Hepburn, Elliot Millar-Mills, Sam Skinner, Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson, Ali Price, Kyle Rowe

Coach: Gregor Townsend (SCO)

Mentions

Rugby UnionSix NationsGeorge HorneScotlandIreland

Football Tracker LIVE: Diallo helps Man Utd down PAOK, rampant Chelsea score eight

Chelsea cannot tolerate £107m Enzo as a permanent sub for long - opinion

Sinner avoids major rival Alcaraz as ATP Finals groups announced

Southampton's Harwood-Bellis called up to Carsley's final England squad

Horne given surprise start for Scotland in Italy Six Nations clash

Scotland (15-1)

Italy's Bigi steps in for Manfredi against Scotland at Six Nations

Scotland's Van der Merwe: Team success comes before personal glory

Ireland's depth and physical Scotland: Six Nations talking points

George says England can be successful without 'challenging' Jones style

New Ireland captain Caelan Doris calms waters ahead of New Zealand test

Three talking points ahead of Ireland's World Cup rematch with New Zealand

Curry calls on England to 'step up and be consistent' ahead of Australia match

Anscombe warns Fiji will be a 'huge test' as Wales bid to end losing streak

'We fight through every battle': Esterhuizen says no complacency from Boks

McKenzie replaces injured Barrett for All Blacks' Test against Ireland in Dublin

Farrell recalls experienced trio Keenan, Aki and Hansen for All Blacks Test

Robinson: Autumn Tests 'massive' for Feyi-Waboso's Lions hopes

Hill given 10-week ban after altercation with fan in stands

Football Tracker LIVE: Diallo helps Man Utd down PAOK, rampant Chelsea score eight

Chelsea cannot tolerate £107m Enzo as a permanent sub for long - opinion

Sinner avoids major rival Alcaraz as ATP Finals groups announced

Southampton's Harwood-Bellis called up to Carsley's final England squad

Les jeux d’argent et de hasard peuvent être dangereux : pertes d’argent, conflits familiaux, addiction…