Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend tells BBC Sport: "I think a lot of the forwards provided a platform at times, they worked really hard. "We had to defend our line on two or three occasions in that second half so it was a tough opening game but we managed to get the win.

Gregor Townsend says win over Italy will prepare Scotland for what is to come - The visitors fought back until Scotland pulled away.

Darge, Jones 3, White Cons: Russell 3 Italy (9) 19 Tries: Brex Pens: Allan 4 Cons: Allan A Huw Jones hat-trick got Scotland off to a winning start in a nervy Six Nations opener against Italy at Murrayfield.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend praised the mental strength of his side after they beat Italy 31-19 in their Six Nations opener at Murrayfield on Saturday. Townsend embarking on his eighth Six Nations campaign,