Scotland's Six Nations squad sees some surprising omissions for their opening match against Italy. Blair Kinghorn has been dropped, with Tom Jordan taking his place at full-back. Also missing are Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, two of Scotland's top try-scorers. This sets the stage for a revamped backline as they head back to Rome.

Head coach Gregor Townsend has opted for a shake-up, giving Jamie Dobie a start on the wing. The Glasgow pair are preferred over established players, signaling a shift in strategy. Scotland aims to improve on their fourth-place finish from last year. This opening match is crucial for setting the tone for their tournament run.

Van der Merwe's absence is particularly notable given his form struggles. Graham is on the bench. The team will be looking to start strong after the disappointing loss in Rome back in 2024. The Six Nations campaign is a major test for Scotland, with hopes of a strong performance in this year's competition.

With key players out, the pressure is on the selected squad to deliver. The team will be hoping to get off to a good start against Italy. This fixture is the first of five matches in the tournament, with games against England, Wales, France, and Ireland to follow. Fans will be watching with anticipation.