Scotland bench skipper McInally for Pool decider
SCOTLAND are focused on ruining the Japanese “fairytale” ahead of a match that Japan boss Jamie Joseph calls the biggest in the country’s history.
The Brave Blossoms are undefeated in Pool A so far, but Scotland can leapfrog them if they win and deny the hosts a bonus point.
If the match is cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis then both teams take two points and Japan would top the Pool and Scotland would be out.
A decision on whether it will be played is due between 8-10am local time.
Joseph was in tough-talking mood ahead of the showdown in Yokohama. “This will be the most significant match (in Japan’s history) and that’s because we’re in a position we’re now top of the table and we’ve got the opportunity to win the Pool,” he said.
“The key difference between us and Scotland is we’re driven by the support of the whole country.
“My team is motivated by achieving something great, not avoiding embarrassment.”
Townsend responded: “I did see Jamie’s comments. We know it wouldn’t be an embarrassment to lose to Japan, we know they are an excellent side and we will have to play very well to win.”
Townsend has dropped captain Stuart McInally – whom he describes as “not in his best form” – for Fraser Brown, but expects his skipper to make an impact off the bench.
Hooker Brown is one of just three Scotland players to retain a place in the starting line-up following Wednesday’s thrashing of Russia, with wingers Darcy Graham and Tommy Seymour keeping their spots.
Scrum-half Greig Laidlaw will captain the
side for the fifth time at a World Cup, equalling the Scotland record held by David Sole and Bryan Redpath.
Laidlaw said: “It’s a big game and I am more than happy to take on the responsibility. But it changes nothing.
“We have got a Test match to win and that’s all we are concentrating on.”
Centre Pete Horne, who impressed against Russia, is on the bench with brother George, said: “Everyone will be cheering on Japan. How do I feel about killing the fairytale? I love it, what an opportunity for us.”
Japan have made four changes to the team that beat Samoa and have seven players in their starting line-up who were in the Japan side defeated 45-10 by Scotland in the last World Cup, including skipper Michael Leitch.