Nathan Hines has returned to the Scotland team for Saturday's Six Nations match against Italy. The Perpignan second-row forward, 30, replaces Jim Hamilton in the only change made by head coach Frank Hadden to the starting line-up.

Australia-born Hines made his international return off the bench in Scotland's last Six Nations match, against Wales, on February 10. He had been absent for a long stretch after breaking his foot on club duty last March. He will win his 40th cap, while second-row partner Scott Murray makes an 82nd appearance, bringing him level with Gregor Townsend's Scotland record.

With Edinburgh wing Simon Webster ruled out of the Murrayfield match by an ankle injury, Glasgow Warriors back Andrew Henderson fills in on the bench.

Scotland recovered from defeat by England on the opening weekend of the tournament to beat Wales ten days ago. They face an Italy side who were thrashed by France but then troubled England at Twickenham.

Hadden said: "Our pack stepped up to the mark against Wales and they will have to do so again as the Italians forwards are formidable.

"I couldn't really have asked for any more from Jim Hamilton in the match against the Welsh but given that Nathan has missed out on some matches through injury I am keen to see him."

Almost 10 years since coming into the side, 31-year-old Murray remains a valuable member of the Scotland pack. He was recalled for the Wales clash, and Hadden is confident he will perform well. Hadden said: "Saturday is another landmark day for Scott and his appetite to be part of our determination to provide something special for our supporters is as strong as ever."

Scotland team: Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh); Sean Lamont (Northampton/ENG), Marcus Di Rollo (Edinburgh), Rob Dewey (Edinburgh), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh, capt); Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Chris Cusiter (Borders); Dave Callam (Edinburgh), Kelly Brown (Borders), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh); Scott Murray (Edinburgh), Nathan Hines (Perpignan/FRA); Euan Murray (Glasgow), Dougie Hall (Edinburgh), Gavin Kerr (Borders)

Replacements: Ross Ford (Borders), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Jim Hamilton (Leicester/ENG), Allister Hogg (Edinburgh), Rory Lawson (Gloucester/ENG), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow), Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys/WAL)