The team is recast after the injuries sustained in Cardiff by Chris Paterson, Thom Evans and Rory Lamont, which will rule them out for the remainder of the championship, while experienced prop Allan Jacobsen wins the nod over Alasdair Dickinson at loose-head.

Introduced to the team who started the defeat to Wales are full-back Hugo Southwell; right-wing Simon Danielli, who is currently joint top try scorer in the Magners League; centre Max Evans, who scored a try off the bench against the Welsh; and prop Jacobsen. Sean Lamont moves from the centre to wing.

Meanwhile, on the bench, there are recalls to the squad for Nathan Hines and Alasdair Strokosch (who both missed the Welsh game through injury) and outside back Nick De Luca.

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "Our focus is now on delivering a winning performance against Italy. Congratulations to Chris Cusiter and Hugo Southwell, both of whom will be winning their 50th cap."

Scotland team (sponsor Murray) to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Stadio Flaminio, Rome, on Saturday 27 February, kick-off 1.30pm GMT

15 Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais)

14 Simon Danielli (Ulster)
13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)
11 Sean Lamont (Scarlets)

10 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
9 Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors) CAPTAIN

1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton Saints)
4 Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
5 Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
8 Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)

Substitutes
16 Scott Lawson (Gloucester)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester)
18 Nathan Hines (Leinster)
19 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester)
20 Mike Blair (Edinburgh)
21 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
22 Nick De Luca (Glasgow Warriors)

Not considererd through injury: Chris Paterson, Jim Thompson (both Edinburgh), Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Lamont (Toulon) and Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors)

Referee: Dave Pearson (England).
Touch-judges: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland) and Tim Hayes (Wales).
Television Match Official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)

For further information please contact

Graham Law
Scotland team media manager
Tel: +44 (0)131 346 5164
Mob: +44 (0) 7764 178940
Fax: +44 (0)131 346 5192
email: graham.law@sru.org.uk

www.scottishrugby.org