3 Scotland talking points as Blair Kinghorn shines to earn positive Six Nations conclusion amid moments of error

Blair Kinghorn helped himself to a hat-trick to ensure Scotland brought a close to their Six Nations campaign after an error-ridden 26-14 success over Italy.

The Edinburgh wing stunning treble combined with Duhan van der Merwe also diving over during a erratic display against an Azzurri side which staged a second-half fightback which threatened to earn them victory. A dramatic and nerve-shredding end to the Murrayfield clash had the Italians laying siege to the Scottish line before Kinghorn eased the tension with a score in the final seconds.

It was also something of a watershed occasion with both Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg absent from Scotland Six Nations line-up as a pair for the first time in 11-years. Those injuries did offer an opportunity for the likes of Kinghorn and Ollie Smith to impress from the start. Much of the messaging pre-match from the home camp had been words of caution over what to expect from an Italian side which has earned newfound credibility and respect given their recent performances. It would soon prove to be a well warranted warning.

That said, Italy arrived in Edinburgh winless and with nothing to lose in this campaign closer and nothing less than a Scotland success would be contemplated by the majority of fans which again had sold-out the stadium. With four minutes on the clock the Azzurri should have put the first points on the board but Tommaso Allan slashed his penalty wide of the posts and with it went his side's chance to seize an early initiative.

If that was careless, it would get worse for Italy as they squandered a terrific opportunity to bag the first try after squeezing Scotland back and only a loose throw to touch allowed Scotland off the hook.Italy would get their deserved lead