SCOTLAND will aim to avoid becoming the fall guys in Italy's bid to break into the Five Nations Championship when the two countries clash at Murrayfield today.
Although steamrollered 54-21 by England three weeks ago, the Italians pushed Wales and Australia all the way earlier this season and they see the clash with the Scots and the January 4th encounter with Ireland at Lansdowne Road as major opportunities to achieve a final breakthrough.
Scottish fans, mortified at the prospect of defeat, will not be encouraged by coach Richie Dixon's low key approach to the game. "There are no easy games any more," he said yesterday after his squad's final training session.
"I think there will be two reasonably matched sides out there. And, as with all internationals, it will be decided by whoever wants to win the most.
In addition to avoiding any collective embarrassment, there will be no shortage of incentive for several of the Scottish players hoping to cement their international places for the opening Five Nations clash with Wales on January 18th.
If a new chapter begins for 23 year old Northampton prop Matt Stewart, who will be making his debut, the book is re written for veteran centre Scott Hastings, 11 years Stewart's senior, who returns for his 63rd cap.
And there is also a new beginning for former Lions second row Andy Reed, who collected the last of his 10 Scottish caps against South Africa in November 1994. The 6ft 7in Cornishman, who switched from Bath to Wasps this season, will hope to follow in the footsteps of club mate Chris Sheasby, who burst onto the international scene for England in sensational style after a close season move to Wasps.
The 27 year old Reed is grateful for the unexpected chance to parade his talents on the big stage once more after a career threatening back problem that kept him out of the game for 14 months.
Dixon, unhappy with the forwards' display in the 29-19 defeat. by Australia last month, axed Doddie Weir to bring in the big Wasps man and Reed realises the spotlight will be on him today.
Scotland, led for the second time by Gregor Townsend who will be playing inside centre for the first time at international level, will be wary of livewire scrum half Alessandro Troncon and three quarter Paolo Vaccari who both scored tries in the second half fightback against England. And Italy are boosted by the presence of forwards Andrea Castellani and Giambatista Croci who both missed the Twickenham game through injury.
