Rugby U
Six Nations 2023: Scotland’s Jamie Ritchie eyes ‘large constructive’ of third place however warns of ‘best-ever Italy’
Six Nations 2023: Scotland’s Jamie Ritchie eyes ‘large constructive’ of third place however warns of ‘best-ever Italy’
2023-03-17 14:44:10
| Venue: Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Date: Saturday, 18 March Kick-off: 12:30 GMT |
| Protection: Watch dwell on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and on-line from 12:00 GMT; hear on BBC Radio 5 Sports activities Additional and BBC Radio Scotland Additional; textual content commentary on BBC Sport web site and app. |
Jamie Ritchie believes “probably the very best Italy group we have ever performed” stand between Scotland and the “large positives” from ending third on this season’s Six Nations.
The Scotland captain believes his aspect are but to place collectively a “full 80-minute efficiency” – however Ritchie hopes the Scots can put that proper on Saturday in opposition to the Italians, who’ve solely been overwhelmed by the world’s prime two – Eire and France – this time period.
“To safe that third place outright can be a constructive,” Ritchie mentioned.
To realize that, Scotland should overcome an Italy aspect who’ve proven enchancment this season regardless of once more discovering themselves on the backside of the desk and not using a win.
“They will be pissed off that they’ve performed lots of actually good rugby and run a few good groups shut however not transformed that into outcomes,” flanker Ritchie mentioned. “They arrive right here with nothing to lose.
“They’re all the time a passionate group, however there could be a little bit bit extra ardour as a result of they take pleasure in taking part in in opposition to us – they aim this recreation. We all know there will likely be a problem coming in opposition to probably the very best Italy group we have ever performed, so we have to be prepared.”
This season’s Six Nations has acted as a warm-up for September’s World Cup finals.
Requested to evaluate Scotland’s two wins and two defeats, Ritchie replied: “I outlined our objective of 5 good performances and I believe we’re at 3.5 simply now. To get it as much as 4.5 can be good, so we’re in search of a robust efficiency.”
The ahead hinted {that a} victory in Paris was one which obtained away.
“Arguably, in opposition to France, for almost all of the sport we have been the group within the ascendancy,” he mentioned. “We put ourselves underneath strain with a gradual begin, however for large components of that recreation, I definitely believed we might go on and win it.
“I believe there will likely be an enormous quantity of positives to take out of the match.”
Ritchie reiterated head coach Gregor Townsend’s view that Scotland will deal with the absence of British & Irish Lions backs Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg.
“Though the modifications have been enforced, that little bit of recent blood and new power into the group from guys who’ve been chomping on the bit for a chance is simply what we would have liked in that brief week,” he prompt. “Plenty of guys are stepping as much as lead who’ve possibly been ready within the wings or staying extra quiet, so it has been good.”
The skilled Richie Grey and Grant Gilchrist are additionally lacking from Ritchie’s pack.
“However there is a load of expertise there and we have guys coming in who’re actually mature,” the captain added.
“Sam Skinner brings a chilled affect in the way in which he leads the lineout and Scott Cummings is coming again into type and has an enormous quantity of expertise.”
