Official RBS 6 Nations Rugby : De Luca recovers for Scotland's final fling

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Andy Robinson is able to recall Nick De Luca into the centres as Scotland bid to end a winless run of six games

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De Luca recovers for Scotland's final fling

14 March 2012, 1:49 pm

By Sportsbeat

Centre Nick De Luca has recovered from injury in time to try and help Scotland avoid taking home the Wooden Spoon as they bring the curtain down on their RBS 6 Nations campaign with a trip to Italy.

The Edinburgh centre was a late withdrawal last time out, missing Scotland’s 32-14 defeat at the hands of Ireland thanks to a hamstring problem.

But the 28-year-old is back in the fold for the trip to Rome, starting at outside centre with Max Evans moving to the wing, replacing Lee Jones who is suffering from concussion.

Robinson has named an unchanged pack for a third successive game while 24-year-old Jack Cuthbert takes his place on the bench for his first-ever involvement in an RBS 6 Nations match.

Scotland take on the Azzurri having lost their last six games but despite winning the previous two Tests between the two countries, have won just twice in Rome since the Italians were admitted to the Championship.

And Robinson is looking for a response from his side after admitting that their last display in Dublin simply wasn’t good enough.

“Nick was unfortunate to miss the game in Ireland through a hamstring problem and the challenge for him on Saturday will be to contribute as purposefully against the Italians as he did in his last game, against France,” the head coach said.

“Jack has featured regularly for Bath this season. He’s strong and we know from his involvement with the squad back in the summer how much it means to him to play for Scotland.

“We are not where we wanted to be at this point in the Championship. Yes, we have played some good rugby at some points in games and there has been some improvement but we all know that we need the substance that comes from a win, especially after the display in Dublin.”

Scotland

15. Stuart Hogg (Glasgow Warriors)

14. Max Evans (Castres)

13. Nick De Luca (Edinburgh Rugby)

12. Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors)

11. Sean Lamont (Scarlets)

10. Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh Rugby)

9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh Rugby)

1. Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Rugby)

2. Ross Ford (Edinburgh Rugby)

3. Geoff Cross (Edinburgh

4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors)