Moments of brilliance by a backline shorn of its best player have spared Scotland from a second straight humbling by Italy in Six Nations rugby.

Scotland have hope of mounting a Six Nations title challenge as they embark on a fresh campaign against Italy.While optimism has been punctured somewhat by a string of untimely injuries, Gregor Townsend’s settled squad are confident that they can build on their development over the last few years and back up big performances to challenge for a long-awaited title.

Centre Huw Jones scored a hat trick to help Scotland get their Six Nations campaign off to a winning start with a 31-19 bonus-point victory over Italy.