The 2025 Six Nations championship kicks off this weekend and Scotland are hoping they can get off to a flying start as they welcome Italy to Murrayfield.
Gregor Townsend’s squad has been hit hard by injuries over the past few weeks with skipper Sione Tuipulotu, one of world rugby’s most in form players, was rule out. He has also lost Dylan Richardson, Scott Cummings and Josh Bayliss since he initially named his squad and every one of those names would have been expected to either make the starting XV or earn a spot on the bench for the match with Italy.
Luckily though, there is plenty strength in depth to call on. Here is how we expected the Scotland starting XV to look for this weekend’s Six Nations opener against Italy:
13. Huw Jones
Scotland will miss the Tuipulotu/Jones partnership but let's not forget he is a quality player in his own right and will be eyeing a place in the Lion's tour squad which could hinge on a strong Six Nations | SNS Group
14. Darcy Graham
Much like his counterpart on the other wing, if he's fit he starts and Scotland have both their record try scorers to strike fear into the hearts of the Italians | SNS Group
15. Blair Kinghorn
The 15 jersey is his at this moment but Tom Jordan impressed during the Autumn and, had Van der Merwe missed this game, he'd probably have been moved out to the wing like we saw against South Africa in November | SNS Group