US EditionItaly's heroic defense stops Scotland's last-gasp charge for Six Nations win
Italy secured their second straight home win over Scotland, adapting better to rainy conditions and holding off a 30-phase late surge, winning 18-15 at a sold-out Stadio Olimpico.
- On Saturday, February 7, 2026, Italy national rugby team beat Scotland national rugby team 18-15 in Rome, amid heavy rain and wet conditions.
- Torrential rain and standing water made running rugby almost impossible as conditions worsened after half-time, while Scotland's set-piece repeatedly malfunctioned and George Turner was sin-binned for a clearout.
- A 29/30-phase Scotland surge inside the Italian 22 was ultimately held up, with referee Ben O'Keeffe calling time, sealing the result.
- Pressure on Gregor Townsend intensified after the opening defeat as Scotland will drop to 10th and Italy rise to ninth in world rankings on Monday; Townsend said, `We saw our supporters on the way to the game today.`
- Fans at the sold-out Stadio Olimpico provided a raucous atmosphere, with a fairground PA track and Nessun Dorma at full-time, after Italy's ninth win over Scotland since 2000.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Updated rugby rankings after Italy, England win
Italy were the big winners in the first round of the Six Nations, and an upset win over Scotland has also helped them gain a little boost in the World Rugby rankings, while Ireland and Scotland have dropped down. Considering that the Springboks will play Italy in the pool stages of the next World Cup, Rassie Erasmus and his team would certainly have taken notice of their impressive victory against Scotland. In that game, wet-weather conditions m…
Herald Bulletin
Scotland coach Townsend defiant despite latest Six Nations setback
Coach Gregor Townsend has dismissed any notion of resigning after Scotland’s latest Six Nations hopes were washed away in rainy Rome. Townsend insists he’s still the right man for the job. Scotland lost to Italy 18-15, always trailing after giving…
Rugby-Townsend defends Scotland players following 18-15 loss in Italy
ROME, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Scotland coach Gregor Townsend is braced for criticism for his side's disappointing 18-15 Six Nations loss to Italy in torrential rain in Rome on Saturday, but says he cannot fault the players' effort in difficult conditions.
Townsend defends Scotland players following 18-15 loss in Italy
ROME, Feb 7 - Scotland coach Gregor Townsend is braced for criticism for his side's disappointing 18-15 Six Nations loss to Italy in torrential rain in Rome on Saturday, but says he cannot fault the players' effort in difficult conditions. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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