Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has shaken up his starting line-up to take on Italy in their Six Nations opener, leaving out three regular players for their trip to Rome. 

Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham – the top two try-scorers in Scotland's history – along with British and Irish Lion full-back Blair Kinghorn have all been dropped.

Kinghorn is replaced by Tom Jordan, with Graham named on the bench, while Van der Merwe was left out entirely as Jamie Dobie and Kyle Steyn come into the side. 

Ewan Ashman and Jack Dempsey have recovered from injuries in time to make the line-up.

However, the big news comes from Townsend's three notable omissions from the Scotland team who finished fourth last year, behind Ireland, England and champions France. 

Indeed, no players beat more defenders in the 2025 Six Nations than Van der Merwe (28) and Kinghorn (25, level with Blair Murray).

Van der Merwe (478) and Kinghorn (858) registered more carry metres than anyone last year, with Kinghorn's nine line breaks and 13 offloads also being Championship-highs.

The XV taking on Italy in our @SixNationsRugby opener #AsOne pic.twitter.com/F8GxZ67kj7

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 5, 2026

The returning Huw Jones will partner captain Sione Tuipulotu in what will be the 18th test match the pair have played together, including for the Lions.

There is also a return for Zander Fagerson, while Scott Cummings, who missed last year's tournament through injury, is named alongside Grant Gilchrist in the second row.

Scotland have won their opening match in the Six Nations in seven of the last nine editions (L2), including the last five in a row. 

No team is enjoying a longer winning run in Round 1 fixtures, but Scotland may see that stretch come to an end as they head to Stadio Olimpico. 

They have lost their last four away games in the Six Nations, a run that began with defeat to Italy in 2024. It's their longest run without victory on the road since 2016-18 (L5).

Scotland XV to face Italy: Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson; Scott Cummings, Grant Gilchrist; Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey; Ben White, Finn Russell; Jamie Dobie, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn; Tom Jordan.

Replacements: George Turner, Nathan McBeth, Elliot Millar Mills, Max Williamson, Gregor Brown; George Horne, Adam Hastings, Darcy Graham.