U20 Match Preview: Scotland Faces Italy
In the upcoming U20 Six Nations match, Scotland’s Under-20 rugby team faces Italy. Head Coach Fergus Pringle has expressed his anticipation for the game, noting a comprehensive two-month preparation period since early December. This commitment has helped position the team for what promises to be a challenging encounter.
Scotland’s Preparation and Expectations
Pringle emphasized the strength of the Italian team, which includes players who’ve already received caps at the senior level. He acknowledges Italy’s physicality and their effective set pieces. Pringle believes this match will serve as an important test for Scotland, offering insights into their current capabilities:
- Strong physical presence of the Italian team
- Exciting backline that poses a threat
- The need for Scotland to perform at their best
Match Statistics
Scotland U20 aims to secure their first away Six Nations win since 2020. Their last victory in this category came against Wales U20. Last year, they played Italy U20 closely, winning 30-29 at Stadio Mirabello. In this fixture, they will field four players who also started in last year’s matchup:
- Oliver McKenna
- Joe Roberts
- Ollie Blyth-Lafferty
- Christian Lindsay
Nairn Moncrieff, who contributed significantly with dominant tackles, also returns to the lineup. He shares the distinction of making the second-most dominant tackles during the 2025 U20 Six Nations, tying with teammate Reuben Logan.
Looking Ahead
With the match approaching, Scotland is focused on delivering a strong performance against Italy. This game not only represents an opportunity for victory but also a moment to assess the team’s progress in the tournament.
