In a perfectly-poised first round of 2019 Guinness Six Nations action, old rivals Scotland and Italy will come together at BT Murrayfield in what promises to be a compelling encounter.
These two countries have played out some superb matches over the years, not least in Italy’s winning Championship debut in 2000 or last year’s 29-27 victory for Scotland in Rome.
The Azzurri travel to BT Murrayfield as their happiest hunting ground in the Championship, where they were triumphant in 2007 and 2015, in excellent mood for a third scalp.
Head coach Conor O’Shea named his 23 for the match on Thursday, and here we take a closer look.
MODERN GREAT
As Scotland host Italy in their opener for the first time ever, O’Shea has made six changes to the side who took on New Zealand in November.
Perhaps the most important change will be the return of captain and totemic back rower Sergio Parisse, who will set a new Guinness Six Nations record of 66 appearances when he lines up in Edinburgh.
The Stade Francais No.8 will earn his 135th cap in all and goes clear of Brian O’Driscoll’s previous record of 65 appearances in Rugby’s Greatest Championship.
Parisse offers his teammates and country inspiration, indomitable spirit and bags of experience at the highest level.
Backing up Parisse’s experience is a whole host of experienced campaigners, with Leonardo Ghiraldini set to earn his 100th cap at hooker, and Wasps dangerman Michele Campagnaro – on 38 caps – on the wing.
Campagnaro, who skippered the side in Parisse’s absence last year, lines up in the backs alongside 43-cap fly-half Tommaso Allan, while scrum-half Tito Tebaldi will earn his 30th cap and has seen it all in the club game in Italy, Wales and England.
BENETTON BOOST
The Azzurri are boosted this season by the form of both of their Guinness PRO14 sides – Benetton Rugby and Zebre – with Benetton in particular flying at present.
The Treviso-based side are currently second in their Guinness PRO14 conference and are five matches unbeaten – their best season ever seeing the Italy contingent entering the Championship in confident mood.
Nine Benetton men make the Azzurri starting XV, while there are five more on the bench.
In the backs, Jayden Hayward and Angelo Esposito join Campagnaro in the back three, and have been tearing up defences domestically all season long.
Zebre’s Tommaso Castello is at No.12 and outside him is a man to look out for this year – Luca Morisi has been tipped by Parisse to have a huge impact on the Championship.