Jacobsen: Scrum battle will be key

Edinburgh prop Jacobsen is set to go head to head with Leicester's revered tighthead Castrogiovanni, who is fit again following a rib injury sustained in the 19-15 loss to England.

"That (a rib injury) is the kind of thing in a scrum it's difficult to hide," Jacobsen said.

"I've played against him a lot over the years for Italy and we've played Leicester a few times.

"We usually have a good tussle so I'm looking forward to it and I'm sure he is as well."

Scotland's expansive approach has been praised, but is yet to yield full rewards - Andy Robinson's side ravelled to Rome on Thursday seeking to end a six-match winless run - but it still hinges on a dominant forward pack.

Jacobsen's role is therefore key and he is determined to help Scotland claim a first win in the Eternal City since 2006.

He added: "It's a tough place, but I look forward to playing Italy. They try to take you on and I enjoy these type of games.

"The scrum, particularly, is a place where Italy look to test anybody they play. They've got a lot of pride and passion in their scrum, as do we.

"That's going to be where it all happens at the weekend."

The 33-year-old is set to win his 65th cap at the Stadio Olimpico but is still chasing a first Test try, having twice been denied by the television match official on Scotland's last visit to Rome.

"I thought I'd scored both of them - close but not close enough, apparently," Jacobsen added.

"The first one was a pretty big pile-up, but I'm pretty sure I was on the bottom with the ball on the ground. It was difficult to see and I didn't get it.

"The other one I dived for the line and I thought I got it down before I was driven back a bit.

"Who would be a ref or a TMO? These guys have got a tough job."

Scotland's forward pack thrived against England, Wales and France, albeit in defeat.

However, in last weekend's 32-14 loss to Ireland in Dublin, Scotland's forwards struggled.

Jacobsen said: "It's hard to put your finger totally on it. We started really well, we controlled the game and got up a bit and then we lost a couple of bad tries from our own mistakes.

"We were chasing the game and when you're chasing the game you sometimes lose your focus and forget about the basics. I think that's what happened.

"We lost our way in the scrum and the lineout didn't go great. I guess it's a good lesson. If you do go behind that it's the basics that can get you back in the game."

Jacobsen and the rest of the pack are eager to put the Dublin display behind them and perform to their best in what is set to be the final matches with Scotland for defence coach Graham Steadman and attack coach Gregor Townsend, who are both moving on after the championship.

"We always owe the coaches a performance, because they're picking you," Jacobsen said.

"But the fact there are guys leaving, we want to win - we don't want those guys going out on the end of a losing streak.

"They deserve more. They've put a lot into this team and they deserve the best from us."

Head coach Andy Robinson has also refused to give an unequivocal response to questions of his own future amid speculation he might also resign from his role for which he is under contract until 2015.

It is not something that has crossed Jacobsen's mind.

The prop said: "I'm not concerned about that. As far as I know he's coach until the next World Cup.

"I've never thought about that. We're just talking about what we're going to do on Saturday."