23 year old full back, Stuart Hogg has recovered from an ankle injury. He sustained the injury during the home warm up win last month over Italy. Hogg has been declared fit to play for Scotland’s World Cup opener against Japan who beat South Africa last week Saturday.
Japan upset many South Africans last week when they beat the Springboks 34-32 in their opening Pool B match, while Scotland beat the United States 25-16. Scotland have won all four previous matches against Japan including the 1991 and 2003 Rugby World Cup pool matches.
Japan had only four days to prepare for the match against Scotland, they have already made six changes to their starting line up for Wednesday’s match. Hiroshi Yamashita, Amanaki Mafi and Keita Inagaki are amongst the replacements for Japan in the starting lineup.
The head coaches talk
Scotland coach, Vern Cotter said that, they have prepared well for what will be a tough match against a fit and powerful team Japan, who like to play a high paced game. Their win over South Africa has given them a lot of confidence and they will go into the game with a victor mindset.
Eddie Jones, Japan’s coach said in a statement that Scotland’s scoring profile is very heavy at first half and they get to score more goals in the second half of the game.
The encounter between Scotland and Japan will take place in Kingsholm, Gloucester on Wednesday at 14:30 BST.
