Huw Jones Hat-trick Helps Scotland Survive Scare To Beat Italy At Muarrayfield

Watch Scotland Vs Italy highlights as Huw Jones scored three tries and inspired a hard-fought win for the Scots against Italy in Edinburgh.

Glasgow centre Jones’ hat-trick was the difference as Scotland battled to victory at Murrayfield.

The hosts went 14-0 up early on through quick tries from flanker Rory Darge and Jones.

Scrum-half Ben White added another before the break – courtesy of a superb, back-door offload from hooker Dave Cherry.

But the boot of Italy fullback Tommaso Allan kept the visitors in touch, making it 19-9 at half-time.

Another long-range Allan penalty brought the Azzurri to within seven points before an interception try levelled the scores.

Juan-Ignacio Brex read Finn Russell’s perfectly and raced away under the posts to set up a nervous period for the hosts.

But Gregor Townsend’s Scotland responded well. Darcy Graham danced his way through from deep to put Jones in for his second before the centre completed his hat-trick by powering through three defenders out wide.

The Scots then controlled the final minutes to see out their bonus-point win and secure revenge for last year’s defeat to Italy in Rome.

Watch: Scotland Vs Italy Highlights

Speaking after the match, Scotland coach Townsend told 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.

“There was a physical challenge today. The most important element today was the mental challenge. To come together as a team on the field to find solutions and find a way to win which will be important in the next games.”

Meanwhile, player of the match and Scotland’s hat-trick hero Jones added: “It’s not every day you manage to get on the end of three so thanks to the boys for setting me up.

“It was a big turning point [Jones’ second try], there wasn’t really anything on for him but Darcy [Graham] will find a gap when there isn’t one. I just had to try and keep up with him.

“I don’t want to say that our confidence is sky high, we’re happy with the win today but our focus is on taking it week by week.”

Next up, Scotland host reigning champions Ireland, who beat England 27-22 in Dublin in their opening match.

Italy are also at home, and have a huge game against Wales in Rome, with the loser very likely to win this year’s Wooden Spoon.