SCOTLAND have made three changes to their squad following last month's defeat by Australia for the Murrayfield clash with Italy next Friday.

Injured Gary Armstrong is replaced by Derrick Patterson, who won his only previous Scotland cap again South Africa two years ago.

The other changes come in the forward line, where Wasps - lock Andy Reed is in the reckoning after a long absence. Mattie Stewart, of Northampton, replaces the injured Tom Smith.

Said coach Ritchie Dixon: "Italy have a good grasp of how the modern game has developed. We are expecting a fast game."