Hogg: Struggled in Dublin

After strong performances in defeat against Wales and France, the 19-year-old Glasgow Warriors back was starved of ball in attack in the 32-14 loss in Dublin, while also struggling under the high ball.

The result in Ireland leaves Scotland facing a wooden spoon decider in Rome this weekend and Hogg is eager to improve on his display after learning from coming up against Ireland's Lions full-back Rob Kearney, a player peerless under the high ball.

"I didn't have enough ball, but I think my confidence dropped a little after dropping a couple of high balls," said Hogg.

"As a full-back you've got to take them, no matter how much pressure you're under. Watch Rob Kearney, for instance.

"I base my game on him because he's unbelievable in the air.

"It's a target to get to - to be as good as him. Fingers crossed one day I can be as good as him."

Hogg, who is poised to win his fourth cap after recovering from groin and shoulder injuries to be named in the starting XV, is wary of Italy, who have also lost their four previous matches in the tournament, but believes Scotland have the quality to win.

"They've got some good players. (Italy captain Sergio) Parisse is one of the best number eights in the world," Hogg added.

"They've got a back line that changes all the time, but it never seems to fluster them.

"They're a really gutsy side. They never give up.

"We had a slide up in the team presentation saying the Italians are close until they get to 50, 60 minutes.

"They're going to tire and I think our fitness will shine through then and hopefully we can outdo them there and come away with a good result.

"Hopefully there will be a few tries for us. We've got some great finishers in the team - Max Evans, Nick De Luca and big Sean (Lamont)."

Scotland are seeking to avoid a seventh straight loss for the first time since 1998 by claiming just a third win in Rome.

Five members of the current squad have tasted victory in Rome, during the most recent win in 2006.

Among them is Alastair Kellock, who was captain at the World Cup but has been limited to a replacement role during the Six Nations with Jim Hamilton preferred as Richie Gray's second row partner.

Kellock hopes Scotland can deliver a win, particularly as it is attack coach Gregor Townsend and defence counterpart Graham Steadman's final match with the squad.

Kellock added: "Gregor and Steady have been brilliant for Scotland. As individuals as a team we've improved massively under them, so we need to go out and do something special for them.

"It's frustrating because we're doing so much well.

"We've worked hard this week, we're in a good place, but we've got to go over to Italy and be at our absolute best.

"It's a tough place to go. They're a very passionate crowd and the Italians always find a little bit extra when they're at home.

"But we've won over there in the past and we've got to take confidence from that."

De Luca's inclusion at centre, with Evans shifting to wing, was the only change to the starting XV, while Bath back Jack Cuthbert was brought onto the bench.

Cuthbert's one previous cap came in the World Cup warm-up against Ireland last August and he was placed on standby following a succession of injuries to Scotland's backs.

"I'm in the deep end," said Cuthbert, who provides cover for a number of positions in the three-quarters.

"I was aware that I could be thrown in about two weeks ago. I received a call to say stay on your toes and then I got a call at the weekend saying get on the plane.

"The boys are trying to make the most of the situation. The last few games haven't gone the way we would want.

"It's all about turning performances into a result. It's about delivering come the weekend."