Huw Jones stars as late scores push Scotland past Italy in Six Nations opener

The Azzurri produced a spirited fightback but came up short. 

Huw Jones scores his second try of the match against Italy (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Huw Jones came to the fore in the absence of fellow centre Sione Tuipulotu as his hat-trick helped Scotland fend off another Italian comeback to open their Guinness Six Nations campaign with a 31-19 win at Murrayfield.

Much had been made of the injury to their influential captain in the build-up to the championship, but the Scots looked unaffected as they opened up a 14-0 advantage in the first 10 minutes and led 19-6 at the break through scores from Rory Darge, Jones and Ben White.