Italy won't underestimate 'tough' Scots in wooden spoon clash

Underestimating a "technically superior" and "very physical" Scotland in Rome on Saturday will be fatal to Italy's chances of avoiding the Six Nations wooden spoon, coach Jacques Brunel has warned.

Ahead of their final home Stadio Olimpico fixture of the tournament, Italy have made key changes at full-back and fly-half as they look to put recent defeats to France (23-21) and England (40-9) behind them.
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New Azzurri fly-half Carlo Canna has failed to recover from injury, meaning New Zealand-born Kelly Haimona will make his first start of his year's tournament.

Fleet-footed David Odiete replaces Luke McLean at full-back having impressed in Paris but missed the game against England due to a calf problem.

Meanwhile, lock Joshua Furno will make his first start of the tournament when he replaces George Biagi, who has been ruled out after suffering a fractured rib against England.

On paper, Brunel's matchday XV is similar to the team that kicked off against France, and came within two points of causing an almighty upset at the Stade de France where captain Sergio Parisse missed a last-gasp drop kick.

But Brunel warned it would be a mistake to simply rank Scotland as a team against whom Italy should expect to win.

"I don't know what Scotland's weak points are," said Brunel.

"If you look at the last games they played, from the World Cup and in this Six Nations, they have lost games they could have won.

"For us, they are very physical side and technically superior. It's a difficult game for us. We've got used to the idea that playing against Scotland is easier, the one we can win.

"But for me, it's one of the hardest teams to play against. It's the team that has impressed me the most."

Vern Cotter's men travel to the Eternal City desperate to end a nine-game run of defeats in the championship, having conceded defeat to Wales (27-23) in Cardiff after their opening defeat to England (15-9) at Murrayfield.

Cotter has welcomed Dutch-born wing Tim Visser back to his starting line-up as a replacement for Sean Lamont in what was the only change from the side that started against Wales.

Visser -- who has scored 10 tries in 23 Tests -- was included in the original squad but returns from a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the opening rounds.

Scotland are expected to prevail in Rome having accounted for Italy twice before last autumn's World Cup -- including a record 48-7 defeat of the Azzurri -- where his side lost a quarter-final to Australia (35-34) following a controversial refereeing decision.

But the New Zealander said it would be a mistake to underestimate what he called a "talented" Italian team.

"Italy have shown they are a talented team, particularly in their performance away against France, but also against England," said Cotter.

"They surprised both teams with their physicality, intensity and quality, all of which we will have to be ready for, and at least equal to, if we are to win in Rome this weekend.

"We have worked hard to improve our game and will stay true to the core values of this team, which is to work hard but stay calm; have belief in our systems, ourselves, and enjoy the opportunity."

Italy's leading cap-holder, Martin Castrogiovanni (117 appearances), starts on the replacements bench, while Parisse will earn his 117th cap when he starts at No.8.

Scotland have beaten Italy nine times in 16 previous Six Nations meetings, with Italy winning seven.
SourcE: AFP