Six Nations 2024: Italy shocked Scotland by ending an 11-year drought!

Six Nations 2024

Italy achieved a historic victory on Saturday by securing their first Six Nations home win in 11 years, defeating Scotland 31-29. This result has now opened up the opportunity for Ireland to clinch the championship with a game still remaining.

If Ireland manages to secure a draw against England later today, they will be able to clinch their second consecutive title. This is made possible by the Italians winning an exhilarating match, during which Juan Ignacio Brex, debutant Louis Lynagh, and Stephen Varney all scored tries.

Paolo Garbisi and Martin Page-Relo's additional points propelled Gonzalo Quesada's team to a significant victory, lifting them from the bottom of the standings to fourth place with a total of seven points.

Italy had not secured a victory on their home turf since defeating Ireland in 2013. However, they emerged victorious in a thrilling match that will be cherished by the nation's devoted rugby supporters. The fans erupted with joy following an intense and dramatic conclusion.

Brex, the man of the match, expressed that we have discussed the concept of passion on numerous occasions. He believes that in the final moments of the game, we demonstrated to the world that passion runs through our veins. This inherent quality is not a concern for us.

Sunday's match against France in Cardiff could prove to be a pivotal moment in the fight to avoid a ninth consecutive wooden spoon for Wales, who currently find themselves at the bottom of the standings. The victory secured on Saturday holds significant importance in this battle.

Italy will also be traveling to Wales for their final match next weekend, where they emerged victorious in a Six Nations game two years ago.

Gregor Townsend's Scotland, on the other hand, is currently facing a formidable challenge in their quest to secure the second position in the Six Nations tournament for the very first time.

Townsend stated that Italy was given a significant opportunity to make a comeback in the game due to the five or six consecutive penalties awarded.

Scotland has not achieved a position higher than third since their victory in the last Five Nations tournament in 1999. Unfortunately, their aspirations of finishing within the top two in this year's edition have been jeopardized, as both England and France have the potential to surpass them during the upcoming weekend.

Italy took the lead early on through Paolo Garbisi's kick, but their advantage was short-lived as Zander Ferguson scored a try in the sixth minute to level the score.

Six minutes later, Kyle Steyn scored a try for Scotland, which was successfully converted, as the visiting team made a strong start to the match.

Italy struggled to breach Scotland's 22-yard line during the initial moments, desperately attempting to halt the relentless onslaught of the Scottish attack.

Brex seized the opportunity on their initial advance, capitalizing on Page-Relo's precise kick to secure the hosts' first try of the match. Garbisi successfully converted the kick, narrowing the point difference to four.

In the 25th minute, Finn Russell extended Scotland's lead by seven points with a successful kick. Pierre Schoeman then scored his fifth international try, bringing Scotland's score to 22-10. However, Russell failed to convert the try, missing wide of the posts.

Garbisi's precision allowed Italy to gain an additional six points, bringing their total score closer to overtaking the lead by a converted try before halftime.

George Horn believed he had secured a bonus point for Scotland by scoring a try in his first start since the 2019 World Cup, just moments after the game resumed. However, much to his disappointment, the try was disallowed.

The match took a decisive turn when Lynagh, the son of Australian legend Michael Lynagh, scored his first international try on his Test debut for Italy. This brought Italy within one point of Scotland after receiving a perfect kick from Garbisi. However, Garbisi's conversion hit the post, reminiscent of his missed penalty against France.

Stephen Varney scored Italy's third try of the day, while Garbisi redeemed himself by kicking a conversion to put Italy five points in the lead.

Garbisi achieved complete redemption for the missed opportunity against France by successfully converting a superb penalty kick, increasing Italy's lead to eight points and ultimately securing the victory for his team.

Sam Skinner scored a converted try with only three minutes left on the clock, putting Scotland in a position where they only required a penalty kick to secure the victory.

Italy managed to hold off the relentless pressure from the away side, clinging on desperately until a crucial mistake brought a wave of relief and jubilation throughout the crowded stadium.