SIX NATIONS LIVE: Scotland v Italy

A Huw Jones hat-trick helped Scotland secure a tense victory in their Six Nations opener against Italy at Murrayfield.

Gregor Townsend's side quickly built a 14-0 advantage, with Rory Darge and Jones scoring in the first 10 minutes.

Scrum-half Ben White added a third, finishing off a brilliant offload from hooker Dave Cherry, as Scotland led 19-9 at the break.

Italy kept the pressure on thanks to Tommaso Allan's kicking, and what initially seemed like a comfortable win for the Scots turned into a nail-biter.

Allan narrowed the gap to 19-12 early in the second half, and when Juan-Ignacio Brex intercepted Finn Russell for a converted try, the score was level.

From there, Scotland surged ahead, with Darcy Graham's stunning run from deep setting up Jones for his second try, before the centre powered through three Italian defenders to complete his hat-trick just after the hour mark.

Strong defensive play secured the win for Scotland, giving Gregor Townsend's team a bonus-point victory and a measure of revenge for their loss in Rome last year.

"It's been a very tough game.

"In the first half we didn't play the game we wanted to but we went in at half time 10 points down.

"Stepping back into the second half we wanted to show something and I think we did for a few moments. We got to 19-19 but we couldn't perform in attack today and I think that cost us a lot.

"They put us under pressure a lot in the breakdown and we couldn't solve that problem. That meant we couldn't play the game we wanted to play.

"Honestly, we didn't perform."

Huw Jones, today's Player of the Match, insists Scotland stay humble and take each week as it comes.

"It's not every day you manage to get on the end of three so thanks to the boys for setting me up.

"It was a big turning point (Jones' second try), there wasn't really anything on for him but Darcy Graham will find a gap when there isn't one. I just had to try and keep up with him.

"I don't want to say that our confidence is sky-high, we're happy with the win today, but our focus is on taking it week by week. We're looking forward to Ireland."

Italy win a penalty and send it deep into Scotland's half, but the hosts responded with a defensive penalty of their own.

Russell boots the ball into the stands, and Scotland take the bonus point winning game.

Frustration must be high for Italy.

After defending tirelessly, Italy are now paying the price for their high tackle count, missing some key contacts.

Italy will have to look to score now.

Paolo Garbisi kicks Italy into the corner after Scotland stray offside.

Kyle Rowe replaces Darcy Graham on the wing.

Italy are applying heavy pressure on Scotland, having reached the home side's 22.

The Scots need a strong defensive effort to prevent a tense finish.

TRY! SCOTLAND 31-19 ITALY

A hat-trick for Huw Jones!

Jones beats a few defenders to reach and get the ball down for Scotland's fifth try.

Scotland are back in control of this game. Italy are appearing to crack under the pressure.

It's a bonus try for Scotland! That's a vital try for Scotland as we head into the final quarter.

Darcy Graham steps up to the plate and gets them in front.

The Scotland scrum seems to be under pressure, but the ball is released and finds Graham.

He sidesteps into a gap, breaks a tackle, and delivers a simple pass to Huw Jones.

A straightforward run-in is capped off with a brilliant kick from Russell. That could be a pivotal moment in this game.

Italy win another turnover inside their own half.

Scotland have rejected three straightforward penalty kicks for goal, opting instead for tries, but have come up empty each time.

Scotland will need to look to stretch the Italian defence by holding the ball for a few more phases to catch their break.

Italy earn a free-kick at a scrum and push Scotland deep into their twenty-two.

Ewan Ashman, Rory Sutherland and Jack Dempsey are on for Scotland as Gregor Townsend turns to his bench.

Pierre Schoeman, Dave Cherry and Jamie Ritchie make way.

Italy are right back in this! Scotland will have to try their best to not be rattled at this stage.

Russell passed, which allows Brex to read easily. He intercepts as he races in from 50 meters out, diving under the posts.

Allan successfully converts.

So far, Italy are doing really well at defending.

There is a sense of frustration from the Murrayfield crowd now.

Scotland are penalised at the breakdown, and Tommaso Allan maintains his flawless record with the boot.

Italy have barely had possession, yet they’re still very much in this game.

Kinghorn rises brilliantly to claim the high ball.

At 6ft 5in with impressive spring, he’s almost unbeatable in the air.

Pierre Schoeman powers through a gap, but Scotland knock on just as Italy are stretched, and the opportunity slips away.

We're back as Finn Russell gets us under way at Murrayfield!

With the ball in hand, Scotland look composed, driving forward with their pack.

Defensively, they could be a bit more disciplined. Three tries in the first half showcased plenty of positives, with Darge particularly sharp.

Yet, Italy remain in the fight, keeping the scoreboard ticking through Allan’s penalties, and that final scrum will give them confidence.

Paolo Garbisi gets over the ball and wins a crucial penalty for Italy.

Italy have made 102 tackles to Scotland's 25 so far..

Italy have strength in the scrum and Scotland have been dominating possession.

Tommaso Allan kicks for goal for the third time and Italy get the points.

Scotland are in full control at Murrayfield.

Stafford McDowall charges after a kick into Italy's 22, pulling fly-half Paolo Garbisi over the try line with support from Rory Darge.

The Scots now have a scrum just five meters out and a golden opportunity to secure a bonus point before halftime.

Dave Cherry has plenty to offer after finding his lineout jumper and steering a strong rolling maul, the hooker breaks away and delivers a brilliant out-the-back offload to send scrum-half Ben White over in the corner.

Finn Russell's conversion drifts a little too wide.

There appears to be pressure building on Scotland as Italy have got themselves back into the game.

The Italian defence is proving difficult for Scotland.

Italy gets the penalty again! Brex crashes into Dracy Graham, forcing Scotland onto the back foot. Italy wins a penalty at the resulting breakdown - an excellent defensive effort from the visitors.

Allan steps up for another long-range kick, and it's a beauty, helping Italy close the gap further.