Rugby Union: Italy coach expects strong Scotland

9Feb 2013

Italy coach Jacques Brunel believes his side will have to be at their best if they are to get the better of Scotland on Saturday.

The Italians secured an historic win over France last weekend in their Six Nations opener and head to Murrayfield in search of a third successive Six Nations win, having beaten Scotland in their final tie last year. However, Brunel expects a stern test from Scotland, who were beaten 38-18 by England in their first Six Nations fixture. Brunel said: "The team has really grown and against France they demonstrated their strength. It's the right time to manage Italy. "We've worked a lot on our team and a lot on our game and I liked a lot of what I saw against France. "Everyone says Scotland are not a great team at the moment but they are a hard team to play against, especially at Murrayfield, and last year they gave a lot of teams problems." Italy are 13/8 with bet365 to secure the win while Scotland can be backed at 1/2 to emerge victorious.