The Perpignan second-row forward, 30, replaces Jim Hamilton in the only change made by head coach Frank Hadden to the starting line-up.

Australia-born Hines made his international return off the bench in Scotlands last Six Nations match, against Wales, on February 10.

He had been absent for a long stretch after breaking his foot on Perpignan duty last March.

Hines will win a 40th cap, while second-row partner Scott Murray makes an 82nd appearance, bringing him level with Gregor Townsends Scotland record.

With Edinburgh wing Simon Webster ruled out of the Murrayfield match by an ankle injury, Glasgow Warriors back Andrew Henderson fills in on the bench.

Scotland compensated for the disappointment of defeat to England on the opening weekend by getting the better of Wales 10 days ago, sparking their rbs 6 Nations campaign to life.

They face an Italy side who were thrashed by France but then gave England cause for concern at Twickenham.

Hadden said: Our pack stepped up to the mark against Wales and they will have to do so again as the Italians forwards are formidable.

I couldnt really have asked for any more from Jim Hamilton in the match against the Welsh but given that Nathan (Hines) has missed out on some matches through injury I am keen to see him.

Almost 10 years since coming into the side, 31-year-old Murray remains a valuable member of the Scotland pack.

He was recalled for the Wales clash, and Hadden is confident he will perform against the powerful Italians.

Hadden said: Saturday is another landmark day for Scott and his appetite to be part of our determination to provide something special for our supporters is as strong as ever.

Scotland team to face Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship, at Murrayfield, on Saturday: H Southwell (Edinburgh); S Lamont (Northampton), M Di Rollo (Edinburgh), R Dewey (Edinburgh), C Paterson (Edinburgh, captain); P Godman (Edinburgh), C Cusiter (Border Reivers); G Kerr (Borders), D Hall (Edinburgh), E Murray (Glasgow Warriors), N Hines (Perpignan), S Murray (Edinburgh), S Taylor (Edinburgh), D Callam (Edinburgh), K Brown (Borders).

Substitutes: R Ford (Borders), A Jacobsen (Edinburgh), J Hamilton (Leicester), A Hogg (Edinburgh), R Lawson (Gloucester), A Henderson (Glasgow Warriors), N Walker (Ospreys).