The Scottish team will line up against the Italians on Saturday but Grimes knows from previous experience that the overwhelming sense of history in the capital can leave a player without the necessary focus.

Grimes told www.sru.org.uk: "One thing I found as a youngster was that travelling to foreign countries can distract your attention away from the field.

"It's a great weekend and a great place to play rugby.

"My advice to the younger members of the squad, and the older ones too, would be to keep the concentration up prior to the game and not let the beautiful surroundings detract from the task ahead."

Now Grimes has urged the Scotland team to leave the sight-seeing to the fans against an Italy side which is also looking to avoid the wooden spoon.

He said: "Italy, despite the scorelines, have been playing very well this season.

"I saw their match against England and I was very impressed.

"If Italy had taken their chances it would have been much closer."