Scots dispose of Italy with polished performance

Scotland 47 Italy 15

Scotland 47 Italy 15

Scotland gave their World Cup hopes a massive boost with a commanding 47-15 win over Italy at Murrayfield in today's warm-up test.

The Scots ran in six tries in an exhibition of positive rugby in front of a crowd of 25,000 for their biggest win over Italy.

Coach Ian McGeechan will take much from the performance of young scrum half Mike Blair and new cap Simon Danielli, who were among the try scorers.

The other tries came from Jason White, James McLaren, Gordon Ross, and Brendan Laney. Ross kicked two conversions and three penalties and Chris Paterson two conversions.

Italy's best moments came from their pick-and-drive forward game but behind the scrum it was a mistake-ridden performance, the only back score coming from winger Nicola Mazzucato to add to an earlier effort by flanker Scott Palmer.

Flyhalf Ramiro Pez kicked one conversion and a penalty.

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