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Scotland ring changes for Six Nations finale with Italy

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has spoken of his admiration for the work ethic of Pep Guardiola's sides. Dan Mullan/Getty Images

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made five changes to the starting XV to face Italy in Saturday's Six Nations finale.

Wing Tommy Seymour, centre Nick Grigg, hooker Fraser Brown, prop Willem Nel and lock Tim Swinson have all been called in to start against the Azzurri in Rome with Blair Kinghorn, Pete Horne, Stuart McInally, Simon Berghan and Grant Gilchrist the players to make way.

Townsend, who saw his side defeated 28-8 in Ireland last weekend, said: "We've had a deeper look at the Ireland game, where we performed well in areas that will have to be better this weekend. There were a number of positives in how we took the game to Ireland in attack and defence but this didn't lead to us scoring enough points to win the game.

"We've been pleased with how the players have responded to last week's disappointment, with the energy they have brought to training and a determination to improve our performance in our final match in this year's NatWest 6 Nations.

"Playing Italy will be a very tough game - it always has been for any Scotland side. We are ready for the challenge and have an experienced group of players working hard to finish our campaign with a positive performance and result."