FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM JAPAN v SCOTLAND

1 DISCIPLINE IS CRITICAL

Japan would have run Scotland much closer than they did if they hadn’t had two players yellowcarded and conceded a penalty try. By keeping their discipline much better, Scotland laid the foundations for the win.

2 FINN RUSSELL IS BEING MISSED

Ruaridh Jackson is the only specialist 10 on tour and didn’t release his backs enough. Russell, who was ruled out of the tour with a head injury, can be relied upon to bring them into play and join the attack whenever possible. Not having his spark at 10 against Japan meant the likes of centre Matt Scott and winger Tommy Seymour didn’t see that much ball.

3 JAPAN ARE GROWING AS AN INTERNATIONAL RUGBY POWER

Although they were missing seven first-choice players, they still gave a good account of themselves in open play. Their indiscipline let them down but they have strength in depth and, with interest in the game growing in Japan where the World Cup is staged in 2019, more players will come through their system.

4 THE GRAY BROTHERS GET BETTER WITH EVERY GAME

Richie and Jonny Gray dominated the line-out and also showed up well in open play. It is younger brother Jonny, who called the line-out, who was the stand-out second row — although his big brother wasn’t far behind. The understanding they have at the set-piece is second to none, which is a huge benefit to Scotland.

5 GREIG LAIDLAW IS VITAL TO THE SCOTLAND CAUSE

The Scotland captain kicked 16 points in another faultless display with the boot. He also led the team well, especially when they were under pressure near the end. The only worry will come if Laidlaw ever gets injured as there is an over reliance on him as captain and first choice goal-kicker. That was shown against Japan where Henry Pyrgos was left on the bench for the full 80 minutes as Vern Cotter didn’t want to bring Laidlaw off.