Scotland got off to a flyer in the 2015 Rugby World Cup this afternoon as they scored five tries in their victory over the rugby world’s favourite minnow, Japan. The Scots have only lost one World Cup opener (vs. South Africa, 1999) and today’s encounter at Kingsholm did not buck that trend.
In the first-half, the Scottish forwards set the tone, doing what the South African pack failed to do by forcing errors from Japan. The well-organised defence rushed up to quell any threats and piled the pressure on the Japanese. This led to Japan making eight handling errors which was more than they made in the entirety of their opener. And that was ultimately their downfall – they didn’t have enough in the tank, mentally or physically, to replicate their outstanding performance against the Boks.
Scotland’s nerves meant that they were unable to capitalise on these errors, however they made sure that, through the boot of skipper, Greig Laidlaw, they went into the break leading 12-7.
The second-half was a completely different story. In the last year or so, the Scottish backs have adopted the exciting yet composed playing style of the Glasgow Warriors as their own and in the second 40 the fruits of this were on show. As Japan became wearier, Scotland grew in stature, and after only eight minutes of the second period, the backs pulled of a brilliant set-piece move right out of the playbook which led to Stuart Hogg being held up metres short. The ball came to the effervescent John Hardie who bustled over in the corner.
The Scots then exhibited more attacking flare and it was Hogg again who carved up the Japanese defence on turnover ball. He was dragged down, but then Warriors’ outside centre Mark Bennett picked a devastating line and went in under the posts unchallenged. Laidlaw added the extras and Scotland were now in complete control.
In the 63rd minute, Japan were again knocking on the Scottish door but to no avail. The sustained pressure from the Scottish defence led to a weak and inviting pass falling into the hands of Scottish wing, Tommy Seymour, and nobody could stop the Glasgow powerhouse from adding another five points.
Scotland were ruthless in the last 15 minutes, as Bennett again crossed, demonstrating good core strength to fight off three defenders to place the ball over the line and secure a crucial bonus point for the men in blue. Then Finn Russell, who had been pulling the strings with quality all afternoon, stepped back against the grain and passed a whole host of fatigued Japan defenders to cap off a wonderful exhibition of incisive attacking play.
With such incision and positivity, Scotland can go far in this tournament. If they are able to secure as much ball as they did today, which was down to Japanese tiredness and strong defence, then they have the weaponry in the outside channels to worry most teams. They showed their skill and class at Kingsholm, with four of their five tries scored by backs, and their remaining Pool B opponents will have an awful lot to think about in the next couple of weeks.
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