LAWSON STARTS FOR SCOTLAND AGAINST ITALY
The Newcastle Falcons hooker, 32, has been in sublime form of late with solid performances for club and country in recent weeks. Winning his 40th cap against England in the Calcutta Cup just over a week ago, Lawson is one of three changes as the Scots look to get their Six Nations campaign up and running with victory at the Stadio Olimpico.
Ritchie Gray comes in for Tim Swinson in the second-row, while Johnnie Beattie takes over from David Denton at No.8.
“At the end of the day we’ve got to do better and that’s what we’re going to do,” said Scotland coach Scott Johnson.
“The best way to close a critics mouth is to perform. We’re out there to compete. A great performance determines our win.
**Scotland:** Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors), Tommy Seymour (Glasgow Warriors), Alex Dunbar (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh Rugby), Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby); Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Newcastle Falcons), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Richie Gray (Castres), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier), Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Fusaro (Glasgow Warriors), Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier)
**Replacements:** Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby), Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Rugby), Geoff Cross (Edinburgh Rugby), Tim Swinson (Glasgow Warriors), David Denton (Edinburgh Rugby), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Max Evans (Castres)
