Paris Soir - Scotland not thinking about Van Der Merwe try record, says Darge

A single try at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday would move wing Van Der Merwe level on 27 with Stuart Hogg but the 28-year-old could go out on his own as he has scored five tries in his last three Six Nations matches.

Hogg might see his record broken as he will be at the game in Rome after completing a fundraising cycle to the Italian capital.

Asked if the record was on the team's mind co-captain Darge responded to reporters with a curt "no".

"If we do things right we can put guys like that in. He's obviously a great finisher, give him half a chance and he comes away with points," added Darge.

"He's always the same, around training he's laid back but when he gets out there he's just a Test Match animal. It's class to be able to play with him.

"But I don't think he'll have his mindset on that, it will just be on what his role is."

Scotland are second in the Six Nations standings and have an outside chance of winning the title with two games remaining, although they would need England to do them a favour against reigning champions and leaders Ireland.

Gregor Townsend's team trail Ireland by six points and should results go their way on Saturday they will have a final-day title showdown in Dublin next weekend.

Scotland have not claimed the championship since the last Five Nations in 1999, after which Italy joined the tournament.

"It's massively exciting. Like I said, we have to get what we can out of this game, and that's just by doing what we can do," said Darge.

"Italy are a really good side, we saw that against France and obviously they're playing at home where they've got a good atmosphere and a good backing.

"They've been good. Take that France game, lots of physical, desperate efforts on their goal line, gave themselves a chance and then showed some really good attack in the second half. They have threats all over the park so we need to focus on ourselves."

S.Morel--PS