Scotland prop Pierre Schoeman expecting stiff resistance from ‘passionate’ Italy

Pierre Schoeman is aware Scotland will have to deal with Italy’s passion and physicality if they are to triumph in Rome this weekend.

The Scots head to Stadio Olimpico on Saturday looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats against Wales and France in the Guinness Six Nations.

While Italy – as is so often the case – are viewed as the weakest team in the tournament, Schoeman is adamant they will provide stiff resistance.

“The set-piece battle is going to be massive,” the Scotland and Edinburgh prop said.

It's going to be a passionate weekend. We all know that with the cup we are playing for, they're going to be passionate and emotional.- Pierre Schoeman

“We all know the first scrum will be key for them. When they are playing at home you don’t want to give the Italians an advantage from the first set-piece and allow them to get their tails up.

“We know that’s coming. But also they put in some big shots at the breakdown, so we’ll have to be physical because their pack will come hard. So it’s a fine balance with territory and the initial drive.”

Schoeman knows Italy will view Saturday’s game as their best chance to pick up a victory as the two nations play for the inaugural Cuttitta Cup, unveiled in honour of former Italy captain and Scotland scrum coach Massimo Cuttitta who died last year.

“Especially in Rome,” Schoeman said. “It’s home for them and all their fans are going to be buzzing for them.

“It’s going to be a passionate weekend. We all know that with the cup we are playing for, they’re going to be passionate and emotional.

“They’ll try to come for us at set-pieces. That’s one thing we took out of the France game, that every set-piece will be massively important.

“We can respond by learning from the France game;