SCOTLAND head into tonight's under-20 match at Netherdale in the unusual position of being favourites, following their sensational win over Wales two weeks ago, and moreover facing an Italian side that sustained heavy defeats in the first two rounds of the championship.
Italy lost by 61-0 to England in Plymouth two weeks ago, and by 47-15 to Ireland in Biella on the opening weekend. But the Italians share honours in the Six Nations championship at four wins each since its inception in 2007 and will not fear the Scots.
Last year in the Six Nations under-20 championship Scotland lost 32-13 to Italy but reversed that result three months later in the Junior World Championship with a 21-18 penultimate round win over the Italians at Pukukohe in New Zealand.
This season's win over Wales, however, should give Scotland momentum going into tonight's match, albeit there are dangers of unintentional complacency. "We have to make sure we move on from the Wales game and not let up" said Scotland under-20 head coach, Sean Lineen, adding: "Five international games in five weeks is a tough ask for these players. But they're now getting used to working in a professional environment."
This season the Scots are stronger in the front row, an area of play where the Italians have traditionally been dominant, and have a very mobile back five in the forward pack, together with a settled backline and a strong bench that should benefit from the recall of fit-again scrum half Ben Vellacot.
In fact, the bench, which also includes two of last season's under-18 mainstays, the back row Ally Miller and the winger and former New Year Sprint winner Ben Robbins, could be hugely influential in a match the young Scots must win if they are to have any chance of competing against England and then Ireland in the last two rounds of the championship.
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