DAVID SOLE

HARD HITTING VIEW

The teams have assembled in Japan, and the focus is now on the first match of the Rugby World Cup when hosts Japan face Russia in Tokyo following the opening ceremony.

From there, the tournament explodes in a frenzy of matches on Saturday and Sunday, so the waiting for players and fans alike will be over.

It’s a bizarre period in the run-up to the competition beginning.

Of course, training and preparation continues. But as players, you just can’t wait for that first match and to get into the rhythm of playing.

Scotland face Ireland in Yokohama a week today, in a match which could determine the group winners, though the hosts may have something to say about that.

Japan will surely be targeting a quarter-final place and to do that, they will have to overcome either Ireland or Scotland. Scotland face the hosts in the final group game.

Strength in depth and rest time will have much to do with both teams’ ability to get to that final group match and go into it with confidence.

The match schedule is very much in Japan’s favour. They have seven rest days between their match against Samoa and the final game with Scotland.

Scotland, on the other hand, face Russia a mere three days before that crucial group match.

‘ Beat the Irish and that takes some pressure off Scotland

On paper, there is a gap in class, experience and ability between Japan and Scotland.

But that cannot be taken for granted in what may become a knock-out type of match if Ireland defeat both teams.

Beat the Irish and that takes some of the pressure off Scotland, although it could come down to points difference if Japan then win that last game.

There is no simpler strategy than to win every match.

Squad rotation will become a key issue for Gregor Townsend and his coaching team.

It feels like most of the second-string team should be in the side for the Russia match to allow his best XV to take the field against Japan, avoiding a three-day turnaround for key players.

In my view, the Scottish coach should field his best side against Ireland, Samoa – where there is a seven-day rest period between matches – and Japan to ensure their new combinations get used to each other.

The draw in Pool A definitely favours the host nation, who have more rest days than their upcoming opponents in every match, apart from the first.

Scotland can make life easier for themselves by winning, and I’m certain that will be the primary objective but they cannot afford any slip ups.

It’s going to be a fascinating tournament and I, like the players, can’t wait for it to start.