Scots drop Denton, recall Gray

Editor

Scotland boss Scott Johnson has dropped Ross Ford and Dave Denton from his side to face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Scotland boss Scott Johnson has dropped Ross Ford and Dave Denton from his side to face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.

40-times-capped Scott Lawson win the nod over Ford at hooker; Richie Gray brings his 6ft 9ins presence to the second-row instead of Tim Swinson; and Johnnie Beattie lines-up at number eight with Denton moving to the bench.

“I'm delighted to be back. I think I speak for all the players in the fact we're looking forward to going out and putting in a performance,” said Gray.

“I was not involved against England but I think the guys were pretty down and they did not manage to show what they can do. So I think this weekend it's really about showing what we can do.”

We've made the changes to the pack with a view to improving the supply and quality of possession,” said Johnson.

“Italy are formidable opponents, especially in Rome, and Scotland's matches against them in recent years have been a real arm wrestle.

“We're all hurting at the results of the first two games but the players we've chosen have the chance to do something that can make our supporters proud this weekend.”

Scotland: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Tommy Seymour, 13 Alex Dunbar, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Duncan Weir, 9 Greig Laidlaw (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Chris Fusaro, 6 Ryan Wilson, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Richie Gray, 3 Moray Low, 2 Scott Lawson, 1 Ryan Grant
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Al Dickinson, 18 Geoff Cross, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Dave Denton, 21 Chris Cusiter, 22 Duncan Taylor, 23 Max Evans