Finn Russell is confident Scotland now have the right mental approach to challenge for the Six Nations title as they prepare for Saturday's opener against Italy.

Russell and Townsend are the pre-eminent Scotland stand-offs of the professional era, and perhaps of all time if you also include John Rutherford. But while Townsend and Rutherford both won Five Nations championships, the current man at No 10 has been thwarted.

Finn Russell says Scotland must be braced for the best Italy side he has ever faced when they kick-off their Six Nations campaign at Murrayfield on Saturday.

Full Contact focused on certain players - Russell, Wales' Louis Rees-Zammit, England's Owen Farrell and Ellis Genge, and Ireland's Johnny Sexton and Andrew Porter - but as with many documentary of that type, it only told part of the story.

Fergus Burke learning from Finn Russell as he eyes succeeding him at fly-half - Burke was last week called up to Gregor Townsend’s squad for the first time for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations.

Edinburgh hooker Dave Cherry is given a surprise start as Stafford McDowall replaces injured captain Sione Tuipulotu at inside centre for Scotland's opening Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday.

Scotland go into their Six Nations opener against Italy at Murrayfield on Saturday, with memories of last year's shock loss to the Azzurri still fresh in their memory. Italy will look to build on two wins and a draw in the 2024 Six Nations -- their best return in the competition.

Finn Russell gave Scotland another scare ahead of the Six Nations when he was sent for a head injury assessment during Bath's 47-21 defeat to Leinster on Saturday.

Bordeaux lock Gray, 30, has not featured for the national team since the last time Italy visited Murrayfield on Six Nations duty two years ago.

Scotland lock Jonny Gray will make his first Test appearance for nearly two years after being named in the starting team for Saturday's Six Nations opener at home to Italy. "We had to be sure that Jonny was fully fit,

Sebastian Negri has said Italy should welcome the burden of expectation as they head into the Six Nations looking to improve on their best return in the competition.

Ireland host England and France kick off tournament against Wales, while Scotland meet Italy in Six Nations Rugby Championship this weekend.