| Venue: Stadio Olimpico, Rome Date:Saturday, 12 March Kick-off:14:15 GMT |
| Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland DAB/810MW & BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra; live text commentary on BBC Sport website & app |
According to Fraser Brown, hooker, Scotland won’t be considered “world-class” until they show more consistency.
After opening with victory over England, the Scots Six Nations hopes were crushed by defeats to Wales and France.
Gregor Townsend’s men hope to bounce back on Saturday when they take on Italy in Rome.
Brown stated that people are too quick to place everyone in the world-class bracket if they’ve had a few good games or a great season.
The following is a discussion on the BBC Scotland Rugby PodcastThe 32-year old added that it was not to suggest there is no potential in Scotland’s squad. I believe it is. But it is an individual thing and not a team thing. Individuals must push themselves to the next level.
Some considered Scotland’s squad the strongest in South Africa’s history. They had eight British and Irish Lions on the summer tour to South Africa. But few players were credited with their performances at the championship.
Scots have had a problem with inconsistent play for many years. Brown states that the trophies won are what determines great players and teams.
“That’s the ultimate test as to whether you have been a truly fantastic team,” stated the Glasgow Warriors captain. He has 54 caps for Scotland.
“If your goal is to be world-class, then you need to perform at the very highest level for almost your entire career.
Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and others have shown that they can change the momentum and win games by changing the circumstances of games.