Scotland scrum-half Ali Price ready for ‘incredibly proud moment’ in Rome

Ali Price is relishing the prospect of winning his 50th cap for Scotland in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Glasgow scrum-half made his international debut against Georgia at Rugby Park in 2016 and is excited about chalking up another landmark appearance in one of Europe’s most storied arenas.

“It’s going to be a special day for me, an incredibly proud moment,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it.

“I probably haven’t got one standout moment in my Scotland career. Getting my first cap was obviously very special and I’ve had a few big results.

“Winning away to Australia in Sydney (in 2017) was pretty special, France away (in 2021), England away (in 2021). All of those big wins stick out for me but my first cap is probably the most special.”

Price loves the whole experience of playing in Rome.

“It’s a cool stadium,” he said. “The bus ride there is amazing actually, seeing the sights of Rome and the travelling support, seeing everyone making their way to the ground.

“When you hear the Italian anthem in the stadium it’s full of passion, they’re a passionate nation and you get that from the guys when they sing their anthem to the right of you.

“It can be quite a hostile place to play, especially when they get their tails up and get some energy behind them on the field. A few boys have had that experience and we’ve spoken about that as well, what we can do as a team to nullify that, and create our own energy within that.”

Price is hoping Scotland can ignite in their closing two games of the tournament away to Italy and Ireland as he admitted they have fallen short of expectations so far.

After edging out England in the opening game, they have lost their last two away to Wales and at home to France.

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