Overview
- Scotland opened the Six Nations with an 18-15 defeat in rain-hit Rome that severely dents their championship prospects.
- Under pressure after a poor autumn, Gregor Townsend rejected resigning and said he expects to stay on for the Calcutta Cup.
- He said reports linking him to a future Newcastle role and his part-time Red Bull work did not influence the team’s performance.
- Match reports and team leaders cited a misfiring set-piece, handling errors and discipline — including George Turner’s yellow card — as key factors.
- Italy’s win moves them above Scotland in the world rankings as England head to Murrayfield next Saturday.