Rugby: Italy stun Scotland

Alessandro Troncon celebrates after Italy’s win over Scotland in the Six Nations. Photo / Reuters

EDINBURGH - Italy made an historic breakthrough by achieving their first away win in the Six Nations championship after defeating Scotland 37-17 in an amazing game at Murrayfield on this morning.

In a bizarre match Scotland were 21 points down after only seven minutes after Italy ruthlessly cashed in on a series of blunders - the first try coming after 19 seconds of play.

Thereafter the Scots were hopelessly chasing the game - rejecting several kickable penalties in their panic - but Italy finished strongly to secure their famous win.

It was Italy’s highest score and biggest margin of victory in the championship - eclipsing the 14-point margin from their 34-20 win over Scotland in their first match in the competition in Rome in 2000.

Halfback Alessandro Troncon rounded off the Italian scoring with their fourth try late on and told the BBC: "It’s the result of our hard work. "We were focussed and we played well and today I think is the start of a new era for us.

Troncon, 33, who captained Italy on their famous opening win over the Scots seven years ago, could not hide his delight after being named man of the match in his 93rd international.

"For me it’s a great day, it’s near the end for me but I’m very happy for Italian rugby."

Packed Murrayfield

The fans had packed Murrayfield with high hopes after Scotland’s home win over Wales two weeks ago but the ground where England and France both lost last season was stunned into silence by the extraordinary start.

An attempted chip ahead by outside half Phil Godman that was charged down by Mauro Bergamasco, who touched down under the posts, leaving Andrea Scanavacca with an easy conversion kick.

An ill-judged pass from Chris Cusiter was gratefully accepted by Scanavacca four minutes later for another converted try.

Cusiter was again the culprit for the third try, the Lions scrum half attempting an outrageously long pass that ended up in the hands of Kaine Robertson. The wing had the pace to make the line for his side’s try, again converted by Scanavacca for an incredible 21-0 with just seven minutes played.

The home fans responded by booing their men though they were finally given some cheer as the Scots engineered a try from a penalty-created lineout, prop Gavin Kerr making a breakaway surge before the ball was moved right for centre Rob Dewey to score.