Hastings set to step out of the shadows

ADAM HASTINGS is determined to grasp his moment in the World Cup limelight as he finally gets set to step out of Scotland star Finn Russell’s shadow.

The Glasgow stand-off admits he travelled to Japan knowing he would be consigned to the role of understudy, but he should be given the starring role against Russia as Gregor Townsend is forced to keep his top performers back for their showdown with Japan four days later.

And Hastings, who has tasted just two minutes of action during last Monday’s win over Samoa, wants to make the most of his opportunity to shine in Shizuoka.

“It’s obviously kind of tough. Finn is such a quality player. He’s running the ship week in, week out.

“I’m in a good position to learn from him and I was at Glasgow the year before. He’s matured a lot during his time in France so it’s been good rubbing shoulders with him again.

“Hopefully I’ll get a bit of game time soon. You definitely do have to get yourself prepped mentally for the situation I’m in. I enjoyed a lot of minutes with Glasgow last season, playing week-in, week-out most of the season. But I suppose I knew I wasn’t going to be playing much out here.

“If I do get an opportunity against Russia then I know I definitely need to try to make my mark. There’s been a lot spoken about our last game against Japan but the fact is that if we don’t turn up against Russia, Japan won’t matter.”

When he replaced Russell at the Misaki Stadium he followed in the footsteps of his dad Gavin to ensure they became the first father and son to both appear in the tournament.

“Dad told me that the other day so that’s pretty cool,” he said. “He said ‘well done’ – I said ‘well done’ as well! It’s a nice moment obviously, because it’s been a lifelong dream.”