Six Nations 2021 player ratings: Scotland 52-10 Italy

Duhan Van der Merwe was impressive throughout Scotland’s easy victory over Italy.

CREDIT: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Scotland got back on the horse after consecutive losses against Wales and Ireland men as they thrashed Italy 52-10 in the early kick off at Edinburgh on Saturday lunchtime.

Gregor Townsend will have a selection headache for next week’s clash against France as a number of squad players put their hands up for a permanent starting spot.

Franco Smith, meanwhile, will be hoping a chastening tournament for his young team will create a more competitive outfit next time out.

See who impressed during the game in our match ratings below.

Scotland

15. Sean Maitland - 6

Strong first half from Maitland and adjusted well to playing at full-back with Hogg moving to 10. Had a quieter second period and eventually subbed.

14. Darcy Graham - 7

Try every two games a solid record for the hot stepper. Cracking support line led to his score and looked elusive with ball in hand all game.

13. Huw Jones - 8

After impressive performance off the bench last week the Montpellier-bound centre was threat all game and played a part in both of Scotland’s coast-coast scores. Earned a starting spot for next week.

12. Sam Johnson - 7

Not as impressive as his centre partner but still showed glimpses of his old form. Showed great strength for his try and has put his hand up for another start next week.

11. Duhan van der Merwe (MOTM) - 9

Looking more and more like a nailed on Lions starter. Pace and power made life difficult for the Italians all afternoon and was well deserving of both his tries. Alongside Rees-Zammit is the breakout star of the tournament.

10. Stuart Hogg - 6

Looked slightly uncomfortable playing at 10, with wayward kicking from the tee. Improved after move to full back when he could play his natural game in outside channels.

9. Scott Steele - 7

Solid debut start for Steele, capped off by a trademark sneak over the line for his first international try. Played with pace and tempo which gave Van der Merwe et al the platform to pick off a leaky Italy defense.

8. Matt Fagerson - 6

Played with his usual physicality all game and has made the number 8 jersey his own through this tournament.

7. Hamish Watson - 8

Classic game for the ‘Mish. Seemed to make every single carry for Scotland during the game and was a ravenous in defense. Will be crucial for Scottish hopes in Paris next week.

6. Jamie Ritchie - 6

Not as impressive as some other forwards but took opportunity to show his turnover ability when Italy had their rare attacks.

5. Grant Gilchrist - 6

Not as strong as Skinner but got through his work efficiently all game. Was the go to man in the line out and carried strong.

4. Sam Skinner - 7

Impressed on return to starting spot and was a big part of much improved Scottish line out. One of a few to make their case to start in Paris next week.

3. Zander Fagerson - 6

Made most of few opportunities to show his power in the scrum before being substituted early in second half.

2. Dave Cherry - 8

Rode an easy wave to his first and second international tries in place of usual starter George Turner. Looked strong on debut with Scot’s line out looking impressive and made a beautiful burst down right flank to boot.

1. Rory Sutherland - 7

Strong carrying as expected from the loose head. Had little chance to show his scrummaging prowess but will surely be at the forefront of Warren Gatland’s Lions selection plans.

Replacements

16. George Turner (6) 17. Jamie Bhatti (5) 18. Simon Berghan (5) 19. Alex Craig (5) 20. Nick Haining (5) 21. Ali Price (7) 22. Jaco van der Walt (6) 23. Chris Harris (5)

Italy

15. Edoardo Padovani - 4

Wayward kicking from the full back was endemic of sloppy play throughout this Italy side. Not a performance to remember.

14. Mattia Bellini - 5

Had little chance to show his ability with ball in hand as Italy were starved of the ball almost all game.

13. Juan Ignacio Brex - 5

Fairly anonymous all game. As Italy’s main defensive organiser he wouldn’t been happy with the sheer amount of metres allowed by his defence.

12. Federico Mori - 4

Ill discipline cost Italy 14 points during sin bin period, crushing all hopes of the Azzurri grabbing anything from the game. Young center carried well but was subbed off early in second half.

11. Monty Ioane - 5

Will take unofficial award for hit of the Six Nations as he cut Darcy Graham in half, although lucky to get away with just a yellow for late hit of Stuart Hogg. Made most of scant attacking opportunities.

10. Paolo Garbisi - 4

Not the finest game for the prodigious youngster. Kicking out of hand was inconsistent and couldn’t show his usual bag of tricks in attack. Obvious attacking talent needs to be tempered with game management.

9. Stephen Varney - 6

Although defensive mistakes cost Italy, he must be praised as one of the few players to take the game to Scotland. Snipes round the fringes showed he could be scrum-half of the future.

8. Michele Lamaro - 5

Could have seen red for clear out on Jamie Ritchie as Italian discipline wained throughout the game. Got through a lot of work in defence and tried to make himself a nuisance at the breakdown.

7. Johan Meyer - 5

As perhaps Italy’s best performer all tournament Meyer will be disappointed with his quiet performance. Had few opportunities to show his strength in attack. .

6. Sebastien Negri - 5

Cynical knock down put his team in even more trouble with Italians backs already against the ball early in the second half. Like most of his team spent most of the game scrambling in defense.

5. Federico Ruzza - 6

One of the few stand out Italians on the day. Rangy Treviso second-row looked good over the ball in defence, which was a good thing too given how few attacking opportunities the Azzurri had.

4. Niccolo Cannone - 5

Tough game for the young second-rower who was outclassed on the line out by his opposite numbers.

3. Marco Riccioni - 5

Casualty of Franco Smith’s prop policy. Had little chance to show ability in the scrum and gave away a silly penalty while his side had Scotland pinned down in their 22.

2. Luca Bigi - 7

Finished his first ever try for his country brilliantly after his fellow forwards had done the grunt work. Happy to get stuck in with the dirty work too and can be one Italian to hold his head high after tough afternoon.

1. Danilo Fischetti - 5

Competed well at scrum time in the first half but as Scots seized control of that area he soon struggled.

Replacements

16. Gianmarco Lucchesi (6) 17. Andrea Lovotti (5) 18. Giosue Zilocchi (5) 19. Riccardo Favretto (5) 20. Maxime Mbanda (6) 21. Marcello Violi (5) 22. Carlo Canna (4) 23. Marco Zanon (5)