USA favourites to book place in Scotland’sWorld Cup group

SCOTLAND’S WORLD Cup 2015 challenge will become clearer today when they discover whether they will face the USA or Uruguay in next year’s eagerly-awaited tournament.

The two countries will meet in Atlanta, Georgia, this evening for the right to join Scotland in Pool B as the ‘Americas 2’ qualifier.

The pair fought out a tight 27-27 draw last weekend in Montevideo to leave the play-off on a knifeedge.

Scotland already know they will meet SouthAfrica and Samoa in England in September and October next year but have been forced to wait for the identity of their remaining two group opponents.

The USA remain favourites to progress on home soil and, barring a massive upset, the ‘Asia 1’ qualifier — which goes to the Asia Five Nations winner — will be Japan.

GlasgowWarriors back Folau Niua could play a pivotal part in the Ameri- cans’ bid to reach next year’s showcase competition, having kicked two penalties and three conversions from outside centre last weekend.

Veteran full-back Chris Wyles, who featured for the USA at the World Cups in 2007 and 2011, is desperate to make it a hat-trick of tournaments.

He said: “We’ve been developing nicely and can go into this second leg with confidence. Uruguay are a good team and we respect them.”

Mark Cavendish.