Back in June, Scotland coach Verne Cotter stated his belief that Japan might choose to take it easy against South Africa in an effort to be at full strength to take on the Scots.
It's fair to say that's not exactly what happened.
Japan turned themselves into everyone's second team with the kind of performance that will live in the memory for many years. Given that it was the first game of the tournament, the onus is now on Japan to go on and show that it's more than just a one off.
With the Springboks out of the way, a lot of fans will be expecting Japan to go on and maybe even qualify for the quarter final. That means that tomorrow's clash in Gloucester is going to be absolutely key. And it seems that Japan coach Eddie Jones really isn't letting his players forget about Cotter's comments earlier in the year.
It was interesting that the Scotland coach said that we were going to tank the first game. If we tanked it was a good performance.
Despite Scottish rugby's continued stagnation it is nonetheless incredible that Japan are going into a game against the Scots with a lot of people expecting the Brave Blossoms to get another victory. And that expectation is not something that Jones is playing down, instead upping the confidence to incredible levels.
If we’re in it after 30 minutes I reckon we’ll win. You look at Scotland’s record over the last 15 games and unless they get ahead early, they struggle to win a game.
The game kicks off at 2.30 tomorrow and we'd suggest you don't miss it.
