Having finished a promising third in Gregor Townsend’s first Six Nations in charge back in 2018, Scotland have been unable to better that result since (also finishing third in 2023) — much to the frustration of their supporters. The question remains whether they can finally mount a genuine title challenge, with time running out for a generation of elite talent.

They head into this year’s tournament slightly under the radar after frustrating defeats to New Zealand and Argentina in November. However, they have the luxury of selecting a largely settled, experienced squad with few injury concerns. Much of the foundation comes from a flying Glasgow Warriors side that currently sit top of the URC standings and were ranked the second-best team in the Investec Champions Cup pool stages. Add stardust from the likes of Edinburgh’s Pierre Schoeman and Darcy Graham, lus British & Irish Lions Test starters Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorne, and the building blocks are certainly in place.

Eyes will naturally turn to their Calcutta Cup clash with England at Murrayfield in Round 2 — a fixture Scotland haven’t lost since 2016 — but their opening trip to Rome is essential in gaining any momentum ahead of facing the pre-tournament favourites.

Handed the captaincy in October 2024, Tuipulotu is the first name on Gregor Townsend’s team sheet. He is the catalyst for Scotland’s attack, combining gain-line power with the distribution needed to unlock a hugely dangerous backline.

His selection for the British & Irish Lions’ 2025 tour of Australia underlines his standing on the world stage, while his relationship with centre partner Huw Jones — so central to Glasgow’s recent URC success — will be vital to Scotland’s hopes this year.

Dobie is expected to be available for Scotland’s opener despite continuing his recovery from a recurring knee injury. His versatility is a major tactical asset, giving the Scots greater flexibility in how they set up. Equally comfortable at scrum-half or on the wing, his inclusion in the matchday squad — whether starting or off the bench — could allow Townsend to opt for a 6–2 split and add extra depth up front.

But Dobie isn’t selected for versatility alone. His form has been red-hot this season, scoring a hat-trick for Scotland against the USA last autumn and adding a URC-leading seven tries. Those scores have come from both positions, so don’t be surprised if he pushes Ben White for the No.9 jersey — or features out wide, with Duhan van der Merwe seemingly out of favour after returning to action for Edinburgh last weekend.

Forwards: Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh), Josh Bayliss (Bath), Magnus Bradbury (Edinburgh), Gregor Brown (Glasgow Warriors), Dave Cherry (Vannes), Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors), Alex Craig (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors), Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors), Freddy Douglas (Edinburgh), Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors), Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Jonny Gray (Bordeaux Bègles), Nathan McBeth (Glasgow Warriors), Liam McConnell (Edinburgh), Elliot Millar Mills (Northampton Saints), D’arcy Rae (Edinburgh), Jamie Ritchie (Perpignan), Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh), Rory Sutherland (Glasgow Warriors), George Turner (Harlequins), Max Williamson (Glasgow Warriors).

Backs: Fergus Burke (Saracens), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors), George Horne (Glasgow Warriors), Rory Hutchinson (Northampton Saints), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors), Tom Jordan (Bristol Bears), Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse), Stafford McDowall (Glasgow Warriors), Finn Russell (Bath), Kyle Rowe (Glasgow Warriors), Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors), Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors), Sione Tuipulotu (Captain – Glasgow Warriors), Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh), Ben White (Toulon).