Italy 20 - 36 Scotland: How the Scots rated in Rome

Scotland ended their nine-game losing run in the Six Nations with a hard-fought three tries to two win over Italy in Rome. Here's how the Scots rated at the Stadio Olimpico:

Stuart Hogg, left, celebrates Tommy Seymour's try during the 36-20 win over Italy in Rome. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Images

STUART HOGG: A storming display from the full-back who created two of Scotland’s tries with a pair of stunning offloads. 8/10

TOMMY SEYMOUR: Wrapped up the all important victory with his late try. A busy display from the wing, with his kick-chase especially impressive. 7

MARK BENNETT: Caught out at Italy’s first score and replaced early as the Azzurri turned up the pressure. 6

DUNCAN TAYLOR: Helped Scotland’s rear-guard offensive with some solid tackling in the second half. 7

TIM VISSER: Back after injury for his first start of the tournament but struggled to get into the game. 6

FINN RUSSELL: Put his team under pressure when he was sin-binned midway through second half but shone otherwise with his clever game management. 7

GREIG LAIDLAW: Kept the Italians at bay by kicking 21 points. Ensured the pace of Scotland play was slick with his work around the base. 8

AL DICKINSON: Snuffed out Italy’s main threat as he and his front-row colleagues dominated the scrum exchanges. 7

ROSS FORD: Failed to get to grips with opposite number Leonardo Ghiraldini as the Italy hooker scored the hosts’ first try. But scrummaged well. 7

WP NEL: Proved a huge asset to Vern Cotter as he again shone at the set-piece. Blotted his copybook, though, with needless late yellow card. 7

RICHIE GRAY: His best display of tournament so far as he proved himself a menace to the Italians at the line-out. 7

JONNY GRAY: Carried well as usual as well as making 17 tackles. Stood up to the Italian threat just as it appeared they were about to overpower Scotland. 7

JOHN HARDIE: Finished superbly for Scotland’s second try to complement another impressive showing around the breakdown. 7

JOHN BARCLAY: Timed his run to perfection as collected Hogg’s lay-off for the opening try. Also won Scotland some vital ball on the deck as well as carrying with intent. 8

RYAN WILSON: Given a late call-up after David Denton was ruled out through injury but faded after a determined opening 20 minutes. 6

Substitutes:

PETER HORNE (for Bennett, 63): Brought on to solidify defence. 6

STUART McINALLY (for Ford, 66): Proving to be a decent weapon off the bench. 6

JOSH STRAUSS (for Wilson, 68): Added physical presence in closing stages. 6

SEAN LAMONT (for Visser, 73): Little time to make an impact. 5

MORAY LOW (for Barclay, 79): Won the only scrum he contested. 5

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