Scott Murray has no thoughts of retirement

Scott Murray does not think he will ever retire willingly as he prepares to equal Gregor Townsend's Scottish Cap record of 82 against Italy.

It will be a proud moment for the 31-year-old Edinburgh lock, who is eagerly anticipating the Six Nations encounter at Murrayfield.

"I still feel brilliant and, as long as coach Frank Hadden wants me to play, I'll keep playing," he said.

"When I do go, it will be kicking and screaming as I love playing rugby."

Murray was first called into the international fold as a 19-year-old in 1996.

After 11 years in the Scotland squad, he still feels as excited about representing his country as ever.

"I'll have to be told that I'm no longer needed. I won't miss the training, but I'll really miss match days," he said.

The most important thing to me is that we win the game, rather than how many caps I get Scott Murray

"There's loads I'd still like to do, both internationally and at club level. I'm still very hungry - even at my old age - to keep playing and keep performing at the highest level.

"There is no better buzz than playing for your country, so I'm pretty chuffed with myself for managing to go on this long.

"But, although it will feel good to reach 82, alongside a great player like Gregor, I'm trying not to think about it really.

"I don't want to get all worked up with the hype because I need to keep a cool head.

"If I get too excited I might overcook before the game and be knackered when by kick-off.

"The most important thing to me is that we win the game, rather than how many caps I get."

A home clash against Italy should present the ideal opportunity for Murray to celebrate his record equalling achievement with a win, but he has twice been on the losing side against the Azzurri and is taking nothing for granted.

"We have a great bunch of players, but we all know that we have to play well and be at 110% or we won't get anything from the game.

"What we did against Wales two weeks ago was control the game and we got our reward.

"However, in the past, especially against Italy, we've sat back and waited to see what they'd throw at us before we started playing rugby.

"We can't afford to do that because Italy will punish us. They are a lot more clinical than people give them credit for."