How Scotland beat Japan

1. Pool B result: Scotland 45-10 Japan in Gloucester
2. Scotland secure bonus point in their opening match
3. Bennett (2), Russell, Hardie & Seymour second-half tries
4. Amanaki Mafi try for Japan in first half
5. Japan unable to repeat heroics of win over SA

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So there was to be no miracle in Gloucester, and the reaction of Japan's fans in Kingsholm differs muchly to the joyous scenes in Brighton on Saturday. 

But enough from Kingsholm because there's something brewing in Cardiff...

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Stats of the day

As we've mentioned, Scotland's tackling was a key factor in their win. A total of 192 tackles shows just how hard they worked to deny Japan another stunning World Cup victory. 

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Scotland's reliable set-pieces

Scotland's stats from that match will make for happy reading for Vern Cotton and his coaching team. 

Scrums won: eight out of nine

Line-outs won: seven of eight

Rucks won: 66 of 66

But Japan enjoyed more possession (60%) and territory (64%) and who knows what could have happened had Amanaki Mafi not suffered an injury at the start of the second half. Scotland won't care a jot about that, though. 

Tackle, tackle, tackle

Scotland's defence was brilliant in that match. They made an astonishing 192 tackles and missed only 10. Japan, in comparison, made 104 tackles and missed 16. 

John Hardie made the most tackles - 21 - and the flanker was superb in his support play. Bravo, Mr Hardie. 

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Player reaction

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw ended the match with 20 points and here's what he had to say: "Happy days with that result - but that is just the start hopefully for this team. We talked at length about playing for 80 minutes and we have done that today. I thought we were outstanding for the duration. They said if they were in game at half-time they could take us, so we were determined and outstanding.

"Credit to Japan though, they were awesome against South Africa and really tough opponents again today. That win against South Africa blew the group wide open and meant it was important for us to win today."

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As BBC Sport's Bryn Palmer says Finn Russell was an apprentice stonemason before he took rugby union seriously. Stonemasonry's loss though is Scotland's gain. The outside-half made a couple of eye-catching back-of-the-hand passes, and capped his birthday with a try. 

You can read more about Finn Russell the stonemason by clicking here. It's a nice read.

Scotland 45-10 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back

"Scotland got the breakaway try through Tommy Seymour and that was a deflating try for the Japanese, who eventually ran out of steam. 

"If they had somehow managed to keep it going for longer it would have been closer, but once Scotland got that margin it allowed them to get further ahead. That and the lack of energy went against Japan. But there is no discredit to how Japan played - they were magnificent. 

"Scotland can be proud too. In my mind they have gone a long way to qualifying with that win. I think they will beat USA on Sunday and then target the South Africa match as one they can win too."

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Full-time

Five tries for Scotland, which earns Vern Cotton's men a bonus point and takes them to the top of Pool B. It was just 12-7 at half-time, but it ended as a convincing victory. 

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John Roberts: Haggis tonight.

John Butt: It has to be said, the Scots are lucky getting to play Japan in their first match after Japan beat SA just 4 days ago. Very lucky.

Matt McGladrigan: Great performance by the mighty Scots. Pressure on South Africa now!

Scotland 45-10 Japan

Amanaki Mafi is the man who made the most metres, though, coming in at number one in the charts with 103m made. The number eight was taken off on a stretcher a minute or two into the second half. Would Japan have been more of a threat had the number eight remained on the field? 

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Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back

"Japan dropped the ball and all the Scotland players were appealing to the referee but he obviously hadn't seen it. Then he stopped play when the ball was in Japan's possession."

Full-time

Scotland have made an astonishing 180 tackles. "Come on, one last go, dig deep," screams Greig Laidlaw to his men. 

The TMO examines whether Michael Leitch had grounded the ball. But he didn't. Game over. Laidlaw and his men don't have to go again after all. 

Scotland 45-10 Japan

Michael Leitch attempts to dive over, but he's held up. The crowd groan...

Sean Maitland intercepts and canters down the wing, but he hasn't heard the referee's whistle. Poor guy, he's still sprinting... still sprinting... until finally he looks back and realises no-one else is celebrating. Play will be brought back near the Scottish tryline. 

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Scotland 45-10 Japan

But referee John Lacey has spotted something and has awarded Japan a scrum within sniffing distance of the whitewash. The eight forwards unmoved so Japan's backline spin it wide. 

Japan recycling possession... 15 phases... 16 phases... camped 5m from Scotland's tryline. A familiar scenario from Saturday, though it'll be a very different scoreline. 

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Scotland 45-10 Japan

Is there to be one last glory dash from Japan? They work their way into the Scottish 22, but Scotland turn over the ball. 

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Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"It is turning into a very impressive Scotland performance. It took time to get breathing space but Japan are now very tired and very deflated. The Japanese were superb in their endeavour in the first 60 minutes but Scotland have been able to bring on their big guns and use their resources."

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Fergal O’Mullane: Regardless of the final result Japan are demonstrating their performance against SA wasn't a flash in the pan!

John M Butt:  This is cruel to Japan, SA then Scotland 4 days later when not every team has played their first game is a shocker fixture wise.

JP Cleary:  Is a 4 day turnaround fair for a team competing in the RWC? Would England accept game on Tuesday following a Friday night opener

Converted try - Russell; Laidlaw con

Happy birthday Finn Russell! Japan's forward retreating in the scrum... Scotland make the most of it and it's Finn Russell who wriggles out of one tackle and scores under the posts. Greig Laidlaw could kick the conversion blindfolded, but he doesn't. Two points for the captain. 

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Scotland 38-10 Japan

Four days ago the men in cherry and white created history, dug into their deepest reserves to beat South Africa, so it is perhaps little surprise that they are tiring in these latter stages. 

Finn Russell and Matt Scott combining nicely. Scotland opt for a scrum within 7m or so from the opposition tryline. 

Scotland 38-10 Japan

There'll be no miracle in Kingsholm in Japan. Under 10 minutes to go and Japan having to withstand wave after wave of Scottish attack. 

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Scotland 38-10 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Scotland are flying now. I think they've had a bit of luck on their side when Japan were really firing at them on all cylinders, but that was tremendous play.

"For the first time in this game you've seen Scotland really attacking the line and taking a leaf out of Japan's book.

"They have a chance to be really ruthless now."

Converted try - Bennett; Laidlaw con

Scotland battering their way over the gainline once more... Mark Bennett into a phalanx of Japanese defenders, but the Scots retaining possession, going in search of that bonus point.   

Finn Russell puts Matt Scott into space, the centre is brought down but presents the ball nicely to his team-mates... 

Mark Bennett supporting once more and he breaks Japanese hearts, a 10m burst over the line. Greig Laidlaw adding more damage. 

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Replacement - Maitland for Hogg

Stuart Hogg forms a fist and punches the air as he departs the field, making way for Sean Maitland. The Scottish full-back clearly pleased with how the day has unfolded. 

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Scotland 31-10 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Tommy Seymour read that just beautifully. I have to say, that's certainly got this Kingsholm crowd to their feet.

"It's vitally important now Scotland have established this position that they go for the fourth try and bonus point. It could be crucial."

Converted try - Seymour; Laidlaw con

Japan have possession, but they're going backwards... Harumichi Tanaka's pass is intercepted by Tommy Seymour and it's a 60m sprint to the line for Scotland's winger. Greig Laidlaw adds salt into Japanese wounds. 

Scotland 24-10 Japan

The final 15 minutes approaching and Japan have a line-out in the Scottish 22. The Brave Blossoms form a maul, but Scotland's forward create a wave of energy to push Japan back. 

Flower of Scotland ringing around Kingsholm....

Scotland 24-10 Japan

Amanaki Mafi made a vital contribution for Japan during his 45 minutes on the pitch. Eddie Jones's side aren't making the same impact in his absence. They continue to patiently recycle but aren't making the same sort of inroads as they did with their number eight. 

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Former England hooker.

Scotland 24-10 Japan

Finn Russell turning defence into attack with a momentum-changing kick downfield from his own 22. Kotaro Matsushima sweeps up, but Japan are on their heels and Scotland are threatening to break loose. 

Scotland 24-10 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Mark Bennett was mighty close to going over the dead-ball line in scoring that try.

"I think the ball was just about down - you'd need Hawk-Eye to look at that if the referee did decide to go upstairs to the television match official."

Converted try - Bennett; Laidlaw con

A shuffle of the hips from Stuart Hogg and he's punched a hole in Japan's defence... Scotland recycle...  centre Mark Bennett bursts through unchallenged from midfield to touchdown behind the posts. An easy conversion for Greig Laidlaw. Ruthless from Scotland. 

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Scotland 17-10 Japan

Japan's forwards inching forward one drive at a time... patience the key to the Brave Blossoms' recycling... Scotland  - who have made 111 tackles (Japan have made 76) - refusing to be moved. Japan's backs forced into action and  Ayumu Goromaru passes into touch.

Missed penalty - Goromaru

Ayumu Goromaru's routine now a familiar one, bending the knees a la Wilkinson, but he sends his kick onto the uprights and the ball drops into Scottish hands. 

Scotland 17-10 Japan

Scotland leave the ball to bounce from the kick-off - Richie Gray jumping like a hippo on rollerskates - and that's careless as a sprinting Kotaro Matsushima gathers and gives the cherry and whites hope... 

Almost a try for Japan. But not quite. They do have a penalty for offside, however, and will opt for the three points. 

Scotland 17-10 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"What a riposte from Scotland, absolutely terrific rugby.

"There's a magnificent atmosphere inside the stadium now, and that try was something that just had to happen from a Scottish perspective."

Try - Hardie; Laidlaw missed con

But it's Scotland who dash forward this time and, and, and, stand by! John Hardie with a flick pass to Matt Scott before he runs into touch which keeps a patient move alive... Stuart Hogg agonisingly short of the line.. but Scotland recycle, go down the blindside and it's John Hardie who dives over. 

Greig Laidlaw fails with a tricky touchline conversion. 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

The possession was shared absolutely evenly in that first half - the difference is that more of the match has been played in Japan's half. Scotland had the ball in more dangerous areas. 

Can Japan put that right as the second half progresses? It seems so as Eddie Jones's men have been advancing with ease in these opening minutes. 

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Penalty - Goromaru

 After a long wait, Ayumu Goromaru's concentration does not waver. Two points in it. Oof, it's close. 

Mafi injured

The bad news for Japan is that Amanaki Mafi was injured as he was brought down by Dave Denton. The number eight departs the field on a stretcher and that is a blow for Japan and their flag-waving fans. Applause for the back-rower as he leaves. Princess Anne, wearing shades, joins in the chorus of clapping. 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Every time that Japan get their hands on the ball in an attacking position you just sense they're going to score. They're so comfortable with ball in hand.

"The number eight Amanaki Mafi has been absolutely rampant at the start of this second half, who knows what they fed him at half-time?"

Scotland 12-7 Japan

An iffy long line-out from Scotland and Michael Leitch dives on the ball and pops a pass to Amanaki Mafi who goes pumping and snorting through the middle of the pitch? He couldn't go all the way, could he? 

Scotland's defence scrambling. Scotland's defence caught unawares...

But the number eight's barnstorming run ends 15m from the line. The good news, however, is that Scotland have been caught offside so Ayumu Goromaru will aim for the posts. 

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Al Dickinson has been ubiquitous in defence and the prop instrumental in giving the Scottish scrum a perfect platform early in this second half, from which Finn Russell brilliantly boots to touch.  

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Amanaki Mafi sneaks down the blindside, dancer's footwork from the back-rower who then chips ahead and puts Scotland's defence in all sort of problems 5m from their own line. But the men in tartan and blue scramble and save the day. And they can breathe easier as they come away with possession and, eventually, earn a put-in at the scrum. 

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Kick-off

A warm reception  for the players as they return to put their bodies through more punishment. Finn Russell is the man to get the second half started. Let's go.

Lamont makes gains

There was just the one clean break in that match, and that was early on by Scotland winger Sean Lamont - who consequently made the most metres in the half, a table-topping 36m. 

Half-time

A significant difference in the penalty count in that first half. Scotland - the white dots - have conceded only three, and just one within a kickable distance. Japan have conceded eight, giving up 12 points to Greig Laidlaw's boot in the process.

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Matt Villan: Watching from Hong Kong! My beloved Cherry and Whites seem to have changed their squad a bit today

Josh Perry: Some of the Japanese set plays and backline moves from rucks etc are superb to watch. Great creativity

Matt Benton: Covertly watching Scotland-Japan from the University of Amsterdam, surrounded by more hardworking students than me

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Half-time

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Ian Robertson

BBC Rugby Correspondent on BBC Radio 5 live

"What an end to a tremendous first half of rugby, where Japan had their moments in control but Scotland have come back at the end and know now what they have to do to win this match."

Half-time

Brilliant! Finn Russell with a long, defender-zapping pass to Tommy Seymour but the Scottish flyer is forcibly ejected into touch by Ayumu Goromaru. JPR-esq from the Japan full-back. 

And that bone-crunching tackle brings a knee-knocking half to an end. 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Two minutes until half-time and Japan conceding silly penalties, which presents Scotland with a line-out inside the opposition 22. A solid set-piece ensues and the Scottish backline attempt to outfox their opposite numbers...

Finn Russell with the miss pass to Dave Denton... gaps opening up.. Scotland 2m from the line...

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Former England lock Martin Bayfield is writing Japan off.  Do you think they can still win?  

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Here go Japan again... phase after phase, but the Brave Blossoms are caught crossing and another promising attack abruptly ends. Scotland will be grateful for an opportunity to boot to touch and get out of their own 22. 

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"They're just playing with great confidence and they're changing the angles, that's what I'm liking about this Japanese side. They're really causing Scotland lots of problems in this game.

"They were attacking the heart of the Scottish defence there, oh my word. We know from Japan that they're not just going to lie down."

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Oh, Amanaki Mafi. The number eight decided he couldn't go through Scottish bodies so decided to jump over a mass of men under the posts. But he failed. Japan lose possession after retaining it well and Scotland have a scrum in the shadow of their own posts. Entertaining stuff. 

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Eddie Jones's men continue to rumble forward, Scotland needing tin hats... Michael Leitch with a bulldozing drive, earning metres... Japan within 5m of Scotland's line... they can sniff the posts... they could go either way but they decide to go forward... over the top? No, no, no... Scotland holding firm... 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Japan into the Scottish 22 and Hiroshi Yamashita gallops through two Scottish bodies, but the prop's bruising work comes to nothing as a team-mate knocks forward. The Brave Blossoms weren't making those sort of errors against the Springboks. Japan back to 15 men, by the way. 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"Come on Scotland, we just need to try to get up the other end of the field. Get up the field and start playing some rugby."

Missed penalty - Goromaru

Ayumu Goromaru, who scored 24 points on his World Cup debut against South Africa - the most ever by a Japan player in a RWC game - has left his kicking boots in Brighton. He clubs it wide and misses like those can be costly. 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Four penalties out of five for Scotland's Greig Laidlaw so far. The Gloucester man was unsuccessful with the last kick - which was the most testing - but has otherwise kicked comfortably on his home ground. 

Scotland drive illegally from the scrum - Al Dickinson the offender - and this is a chance for Ayumu Goromaru to aim at the posts. 

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Scotland 12-7 Japan

Ayumu Goromaru takes his team to within 10m of the Scotland tryline with another well-weighted touchfinder. Could they do it again? 

The cherry and whites attempt to surge forward, but any would-be maul is broken up by canny Scottish defending and scrum-half Harumichi Tanaka, under pressure with his big men retreating, spills the ball forward. Danger averted by the Scots. 

Scotland 12-7 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"That was terrible. I was just about to say the next 10 or 15 minutes would be absolutely crucial from a Japanese point of view.

"They do a massive long drop out and then Stuart Hogg inexplicably drops it. It not only gives Japan an opportunity, but it also allows the clock to wind down with a man in the sin-bin."

Missed penalty - Laidlaw

Greig Laidlaw falters with the boot for the first time in this match. From the left touchline, his effort drags wide. And moments later  Stuart Hogg negotiates the high ball as if it dropped from the clouds with washing up liquid on it. Sloppy two minutes from the Scots. 

Sin-bin - Matsushima

Scotland have yet to miss a tackle in this match, which perhaps explains why Japan have had little joy in enemy territory. But, just as I type that, Michael Leitch bulldozes through the middle of the field. It's all a bit messy, though. 

Scotland rip the ball from the ruck - great work by Grant Gilchrist...forward they go. Japan in trouble. Kotaro Matsushima rips the ball from Sean Lamont illegally and he's got 10 minutes to think about his actions. 

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Kyle Utterson: Brilliant response from Japan after a nervous start. They must stop giving away stupid penalties or it will cost them.

NathB: ‏Clinical from Japan. Training ground stuff executed with perfection.

Bright Ideas: Dinner tonight? Haggis or Sushi?

Penalty - Laidlaw

Japan's front-row drag the scrum down, which leaves referee John Lacey with little option but to blow his whistle. Greig Laidlaw called upon once again, it's a lengthy one - about 45m or so - but his effort just about has enough juice. 

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Scotland 9-7 Japan

It took Japan 10 minutes to get into Scotland's 22 for the first time - but they made it count when they got there by scoring the game's only try so far. Scotland's superior share of possession is just about reflected in the scoreline.

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Scotland 9-7 Japan

The wind apparently against Japan in this half and that perhaps why captain Michae Leitch, so influential in Saturday's win with his try and carries, fumbles and gifts Scotland a scrum inside Japan's half. 

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Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas is watching the game in Japan. Where are you watching?

Penalty - Laidlaw

A warning to Scotland: no matter how much possession or territory they enjoy, Japan, like any giant slayer, have the ability to pounce when you least suspect. 

There's a slight pause in play as the referee and the TMO discuss whether hooker Shota Horie should be further punished for ill play at the ruck. 

But it's just a penalty - yet a costly one as Greig Laidlaw makes it three out of three from the T. 

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Scotland 6-7 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's stupidity by Scotland that's allowed Japan into this game. It was a nothing situation for Japan there, Scotland were looking very comfortable after the first 15 minutes.

"But it was a textbook drive from the Japanese pack, executed superbly."

Converted try - Mafi; Goromaru con

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Ayumu Goromaru, the man who could do no wrong against South Africa, earns his team extra acres with a fantastic touchfinder. 

Japan with a line-out 5m from Scotland's line and they drive, drive, drive until over the line they go! Amanaki Mafi, the powerful number eight, the man to emerge with the ball and a broad smile.

 A simple conversion and Goromaru adds the two points.

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Scotland 6-0 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"It is interesting the way that Japan are defending here. They're not committing too many bodies to the breakdown and Scotland are easily recycling the ball, without too much pressure."

Penalty - Laidlaw

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Laidlaw faultless with the boot, but South Africa were 9-0 ahead against Japan at a similar stage on Saturday. Much can happen in this match. 

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Willy Fones:I suspect Scotland will win today as I assume Japan are wrecked from beating South Africa, but you never know…

Rupert Snow:Good luck today Japan. Would be lovely to see Scotland put to the (samurai) sword.

Said Madrid:Let’s hope Cotter's boys have learned a lesson from Japan’s win and play according to the abundant quality they have.

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Scotland 3-0 Japan

For possession and territory there's only been one team in it in these opening 10 minutes. Dave Denton barging through from the base of the scrum... Scotland on the front-foot once again. 

The referee spots an infringement. It's captain Michael Leitch caught off side and this is a chance for Greig Laidlaw to get the scoreboard turning. 

Scotland 3-0 Japan

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"You certainly sense that Scotland have come out of the blocks quickly, wanting to make the big hits early. I'm pretty pleased with how they have started off. 

"They're in their new Rugby World Cup strips with a bit of tartan trim - and they've started well."

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Scotland 3-0 Japan

Jonny Gray as reliable as ever in the line-out and the blond giant's hard work allows the Scots to set their backline in motion. They go left. They go right. A gap from Tommy Seymour down the right wing, but his foot strays into touch. A bright start for Scotland. 

Scotland 3-0 Japan

A first chance to see the men in cherry and white attack with the ball, but referee John Lacey spots that a Japan player has knocked-on and whatever they were trying to create near the halfway line comes to nothing. Scrum to Scotland just inside their own half, which gives us an early breather.

Japan collapsing. Finn Russell finds touch. The Scots in control.

Scotland 3-0 Japan

Sean Lamont, on his 98th appearance for Scotland, is firm under the high ball. A frantic start to this match and it's Scotland dominating these early stages; chasing quickly and defending stoutly. 

Penalty - Laidlaw

Japan penalised at the line-out, failing to hold their ground, and up steps the sharp-shooting Greig Laidlaw to earn three points for his team. 

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Kotaro Matsushima isolated in defence. The right winger collects the bouncing ball, attempts to attack deep from his own 22, but is gang-tackled into touch and the Scots are in a promising position - 5m from Japan's tryline. 

Kick-off

Ireland's John Lacey toots his whistle and Grant Gilchrist calmly gathers from Japan's kick-off. We're under way. 

Try, try and try again

Greig Laidlaw leading Scotland in the anthem and the Gloucester scrum-half knows every centimetre of this patch of land. Perhaps that will help the Scots when it comes to attacking Japan's well-organised defence. 

The Scots had problems scoring tries during the last World Cup. Indeed, they last scored a try at a World Cup in their 2011 opener against Romania.

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Five minutes until kick-off

Both teams are on the freshly-mowed lawn of Kingsholm. Scotland forming a huddle before the drums and trumpets ring for the anthems. 

It's worth saying that Scotland have fond memories of playing Japan. They scored 15 tries in a 100-8 thrashing of the Cherry Blossoms in 2004, which is still the Scots' largest Test victory. So there. 

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No pressure on Scotland - Hastings

Gavin Hastings

Former Scotland full-back on BBC Radio 5 live

"I don't believe the pressure is on Scotland. I don't believe from a Scottish perspective anything has changed.

"Whatever their tactics are, I would hope that they adhere to them. They cannot get sucked in by the Japanese defence - but they would've done their homework.

"I think where South Africa came unstuck was their indiscipline. They gave away a lot of penalties."

Japan team news

Eddie Jones has made six changes to his starting XV which beat South Africa, with props Keita Inagaki and Hiroshi Yamashita coming in and Amanaki Mafi, who came on as a replacement against South Africa, playing from the start.  

Justin Ives replaces Hitoshi Ono in the second row while centre Yu Tamura and wing Kenki Fukuoka start.  

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Japan fans gripped by rugby fever

Fanatical about rugby or fanatical about face paint?

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Can Japan do it again?

Ian Robertson

BBC Rugby Correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

"They're a great crowd here at Kingsholm. They've always been fanatical supporters. They have The Shed, where many great players have played over the years and taken horrendous abuse.

"It's great for Gloucester to get a game like this - which was important anyway, but has just exploded since Saturday. Everyone is asking the question 'Can Japan do it again?'"

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Who has the fairest beard of them all?

Is there room for Josh Strauss and his beard on Scotland's bench? The Western Cape-born forward only qualified as a Scot on Sunday but will get his first cap at some point this afternoon. 

Strauss, who led Glasgow to their first Pro12 title, bears an uncanny resemblance to WG Grace (other bearded sports stars are available). 

And he's as Scottish as he can be, apparently. “I recently bought a house in Glasgow, my daughter was born in Glasgow, so I’m pretty much as Scottish as I can be apart from my accent.”

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Karen Norvell: Can't see much work happening after 2.30pm. Come on Scotland.

Kyle Utterson: Looking forward to seeing how Scotland do and even with it being their first game, get the feeling it's a must win!

Andrew Neill: Come on Japan!! Hopefully not too tired from Saturday's heroics.  

Scotland team news

There's good news for Scotland because they welcome the inventive Stuart Hogg back into their starting XV after the full-back made a full recovery from an ankle injury sustained in the home warm-up match against Italy. 

Josh Strauss, who became eligible for Scotland a day after the tournament started, is on the bench.

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Carnival at Kingsholm

The streets of Gloucester are awash with colour. Fancy dress isn't obligatory at this Rugby World Cup, but it helps if you want your picture in any sort of live coverage.  

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The History Boys

Here's a stat which you've probably heard 1,987 (approx) times since Saturday but, heck, it's so good it's worth hearing again. Japan are only the fourth team to beat South Africa at a Rugby World Cup, the others being England, New Zealand and Australia. 

A bonus stat: The Brave Blossoms won 19 of 20 set-piece plays when they had the feed or throw-in against the Springboks (12/13 line-outs; 7/7 scrums). Scotland, beware. 

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Sold out and shut out

Before the start of this World Cup, Japan's replica shirts weren't expected to be best-sellers but following their victory over South Africa one official Rugby World Cup shop in London was forced to close its doors because of such high demand. 

Beanies, key rings, replica jerseys... you name it, Japan's fans wanted it. The good news is that a cut of the sales goes back to each individual nation. 

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BBC Coverage

There's live coverage of this match on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Scotland and you can listen to whichever broadcast you choose via this page. 

If these words and radio commentary aren't enough, the latest scores and results can be zapped to your phone by signing up to our BBC Sport App rugby alerts. 

If all of this is new to you, click here to read more about it. It's all part of the service. You're welcome. 

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Japan favourites?

Tom English

BBC Scotland in Gloucester

"After the press conference yesterday I told Eddie Jones that his boys were 11-2 to beat Scotland. His reply? "Get a lot of your pounds on us." The Scots are an unfathomable 1-7. Can't get my head around that."

Crowd gather for Japan

There's a right old carry on at Kingsholm. Flag waving, whooping and yelling. It's all part of a day's work for the Japan squad these days though. They must be getting used to receiving the sort of reception usually reserved for A-listers.

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The team that shook up the world

No team has stunned the rugby world quite like Japan, capturing the imagination and the headlines after their historic victory over two-time champions South Africa. 

Japan were without a win in 18 Rugby World Cup games, their last World Cup win had been 24 years ago, but on Saturday they rattled the Springboks and shook the world with a victory to rival any of the greatest sporting shocks. 

But can Japan do it again? Four days on they face another of the game's established nations. Can Scotland be beaten or will we look back on Japan as the Chesney Hawkes of this Rugby World Cup? 

PA

We can do it - Jones

What did Japan head coach Eddie Jones have to say about today's match? "We have two objectives: reach the quarter-finals and be team of the tournament," said the Australian. 

"With that in mind we have made a successful start. We did not come here to be one-hit wonders.

"We've got to make sure Scotland work really hard, and we score some points early in the game. If we're in the first 30 minutes of the game I reckon we can do it.''

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Scotland & Japan ready to rumble

Hello! Welcome to live coverage of Scotland and Japan's Pool B rumble in Kingsholm where a once predictable rugby world has become unpredictable thanks to Eddie Jones's Springbok slayers. 

The head says Japan can't conjure another show-stopping magic trick out of the bag, but those who watched the 'Bombshell in Brighton' will know Japan's performance on Saturday was no deceitful illusion 

They were formidable on their own set-pieces, tireless in defence, accurate in their kicking and bold until the death. And their coach says they will be all of those things again today. What an afternoon we could have in store. 

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One-hit wonders?

He was the man who had it all. He was the one and only, topping the charts all over the world. He had fame, he had fortune, but success can be brief no matter how colossal the initial hit. 

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