Italy vs. Scotland: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info for Rugby World Cup Warm-Up
Neither Italy nor Scotland are likely to be in the reckoning for World Cup glory in 2015, but both sides will be desperate to continue some steady recent progress at the major tournament, making this warm-up match between the pair very significant.
Scotland head into this one on the back of a narrow 28-22 defeat to Ireland last time out, while the Italians are playing in their first warm-up match for the World Cup. The Azzurri will take on Scotland again in a week’s time before a clash with Wales a fortnight before their tournament gets underway.
Here are all of the details you need on where to catch this one and a closer examination of both sides on the cusp of the clash in Turin.
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Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 7 p.m. (BST), 8 p.m. (CET)
TV Info: BT Sport (UK)
Live Stream: BT Sport App (UK)
Scots Ring the Changes for Turin Showdown
After a strong display against the Irish, Scotland coach Vern Cotter has opted to make 11 changes for the starting XV that will take on Italy, including three debutants in the team.
Here’s a look at the men selected, per the team’s official Twitter feed:
It’s clear there is a lot of strength in depth to call upon for Scotland as they gear up for the World Cup. In the match against Ireland, they went ahead three times in a frantic second period before the experience of the home side saw them through in the end, but clashes like these will be vital in youngsters accruing that nous at the highest level.
Despite eventually losing by six points, it was a positive effort from the Scots, and they will travel to Italy in good spirits as a result. The men picked to turn in a display of similar endeavour and application surely will have been inspired by their team-mates' showing, and with spots in the 31-man squad up for grabs, there’s a chance to apply some last-minute pressure on the selectors.
Cotter himself has admitted there’s definitely a chance for those on the periphery to impress:
One man who will be doubly determined to shine is Grant Gilchrist, who has been named as captain for the trip to Italy.
It’ll be the third time he’s captained Scotland in his short international career, taking over the armband from Henry Pyrgos, who wore it in Dublin. The lock is still looking to find his feet after a spell on the sidelines injured, and he did look a little rusty against Ireland. But leading the team out should inspire him to greater heights.
The Italians also have a host of dangerous players but none more than No. 8 Sergio Parisse. Here’s a reminder of why the Azzurri skipper is rated as one of the world’s best:
As it’s their first warm-up match, Italy coach Jacques Brunel will most likely name a strong team, and the Turin crowd will get behind their players before they jet off for final preparations. Even though they will be coming up against a Scotland XV who are emboldened, it’s going to be very difficult for the visitors.
It’ll be a big ask for debutants Stuart McInally, John Hardie and Rory Hughes, but they’ve got a brilliant chance to show their worth in the penultimate game before the World Cup. Even so, it’s tough to see anything other than a comfortable win for the home side.
Prediction: Italy 21-12 Scotland
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