Scotland have made two enforced changes for Saturday's final match in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, against Italy in Rome.

Wing Simon Danielli will win his 15th cap, having appeared as a substitute against Wales earlier in the championship, while hooker Fergus Thomson will make his first start as he wins his eighth cap.

The duo replace Rory Lamont and Ross Ford who were injured in last weekends Calcutta Cup success at Murrayfield.

Scotland coach Frank Hadden said: "Simon Danielli has played consistently well for some time now and I had no hesitation in giving him the chance to restart his international career.

Fergus Thomson played really well when he came on against England. He took his opportunity with both hands and thoroughly deserves his first start for Scotland."

Hadden added: Saturday was another indication of the progress we feel we have made. After a very poor start to the Championship its vital we maintain that progression this weekend against a side that will represent a formidable challenge.

Hadden has retained the five/two split between forwards and backs among the substitutes. He explained: We felt the impact made by the forward substitutes in the Calcutta Cup had a bearing on the outcome. We believe this is the right way to approach this game as well.

Scotland team (sponsor Murray) to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship on Saturday 15 March at Stadio Flaminio, Rome, kick-off 2pm local time

15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh)

14 Simon Danielli (Ulster)

13 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)

12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)

11 Nikki Walker (Ospreys)

10 Chris Paterson (Gloucester)

9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh) CAPTAIN



1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)

2 Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors)

3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)

4 Nathan Hines (Perpignan)

5 Scott MacLeod (Llanelli Scarlets)

6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester)

8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais)

7 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh)


Substitutes


16 Scott Lawson (Sale Sharks)

17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)

18 Craig Smith (Edinburgh)

19 Jason White (Sale Sharks)

20 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)

21 Rory Lawson (Gloucester)

22 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)


Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales).
Touch-judges: Chris White (England) and Simon McDowell (Ireland).
TMO: Romain Poite (France)

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This article was posted on 11-Mar-2008, 13:33 by Hugh Barrow.