Scotland v Japan Rugby Union

A new season, new squad, new challenges. There is always an air

of anticipation before the Autumn International games to see if the

players can step up from their domestic form. Japan has never

officially beaten Scotland in a test match, but have grown in recent

years in stature and will provide from edible opposition today. In

less than 30 minutes, 15 men, strong and true, will emerge hoping to

produce magic and create memories wearing the blue of Scotland. A

chance for Scotland! Spencer! He is not there! Irvine is there! Going

all the way! What a magnificent try! Butler scores! That is the clincher!

Gavin Hastings is going to score! An incredible try! He has almost come

to the 22! One of the great tries! Taking the initiative! It is a try!

Intercepted! Stewart Hawkins is clear all the way to the line! Gavin

Hastings! Try! A magnificent try the 21-year-old! If there was magic

moments do not give you boost once, what will? ! Can Scotland replicate

that today? Led by Kelly Brown 's, Scotland and Japan. They are looking

at the programme to see what is written about them. Quite

extraordinary. Sean Lamont, looking pensive and relaxed. There is David

Denton, all good words written about him, I am absolutely sure. Great to

have you here at Murrayfield. Scotland against Japan. It will be a

great match, I am sure of that. We have two men here with us in

Murrayfield that have 178 international caps between them,

clearly, these guys know what they are talking about. Chris, the first

game against Japan of the three Autumn International game Scotland

have, is this perhaps the lesser opposition? They are a side to have

grown in stature. Yes, absolutely. The coach knows the structures and

wants them developed. They get that from the Japanese, great hard work,

very powerful, not the biggest side, but really powerful. Scotland will

have to work harder to get the results that they want. Eddie Jones

is not here this afternoon, he suffered a stroke in October, but he

is getting better. Scotland need to get off to a good start, people come

here wearing the tartan, like yourself, it is an important game.

Let me apologise! I did not realise how bright this tartan was! They

have to get the passion and pride back into the team, which is vital.

The game is set up very well. This should be the easiest, if you look

at IRB rankings, because they are six places behind Scotland, it

should give them a good game, but saying that, the Japanese team have

a game under their belt against New Zealand and performed extremely

well. Looking forward to this afternoon's game. Absolutely. Hugely

important for Scotland, especially for two players making their debut

in Murrayfield. It will be huge. Ever since I got my caps in the

summer, it has been on my mind. I really wanted to do it. Even before

I was involved in the squad, everyone that's brought into a squad

at some point, they dream of going out at Murrayfield to play a game at

home. For me, it would be a huge thing. It would be something that

will make me very proud and hopefully I will remember for the

rest of my life and make my family proud. I got a real taste of it in

South Africa, I wanted to back here, and to get this opportunity, I

could not let it go. It gives it some freshness on the squad when you

see the boys experiencing Murrayfield for the first time. They

hear from the rest of the boys thought it was like for their first

time, so it is great to be on a high coming out and during the crowd

behind you. It works well for the boys, and everyone is really excited

to see how they can do in this test series. The final match in the

autumn series last year ended in defeat to Tonga, it thought about

changing in the match preparation and the coaching structure of the

international side. I am confident. A change in attitude when it comes

to training, short, sharp and more intense. The players are really

enjoying it. The progress I like is that there is real competition in

some areas, we're getting some real depth in the squad, and I quite like

that, because in 22 months, an important tournament starts, and an

injury or two, we would have felt a bit vulnerable. We have an injury or

two now, quite a few, but we're not speaking about it. That is the

progress I like. Into the corner! It is Sean Maitland

with a try! The new boy on his debut! The group that we have got

here, it is very exciting. We have got some great players on the

backline. They are very strong on the upper backline. They have got a

bit of billing about them. The Scots have never lost to today's visitors

and nine years ago, racked up 100 points at McDiarmid Park. What a

night it has been! Japan are a good test side, well drilled, well

executed, they are fit and fast. They scored well against New Zealand

last weekend, they played some quality rugby. They can be a threat

from anywhere on the pitch. There is a lot of perception from outside

entrance of Japan being a lesser cup, a lesser experienced team,

someone that Scotland should easily win over, but I can tell you right

now, the players and the coaching staff are looking at this as an

incredibly hard test. A big, physical test. They are putting a

lot of money into the game in their country. This would be a tough test

match. They conceded a lot of points against New Zealand, but they did a

lot of good things in that match, and we will need to combat that on

Saturday. I have been to Japan, and people are setting themselves up for

2009 for the World Cup, and they are well coached, they are strong, this

is a good side. We watch them play New Zealand, they are as competitive

as anyone. A different landscape. Get that out of your head. The world

order has changed, this is a test match. We will see them in the World

Cup, they are coming here to beat us, and we would be combative, this

is a genuine test, enjoy it. Get that out of your head, the world

order has changed, this is a test match, they will know all about

that. Getting ready on the pitch, this is

an important test match, it is very important. I believe every word he

says. You always want to represent your country and yourself as best as

you possibly can, no matter who it is against. These men will no from

other test matches and at the end of the game, the Japanese are

physical, they hit hard and low and Scotland will have to be really,

really clinical on the breakdown. They will want to score. In saying

that, the Japanese scrum will be very good. The line-up is good, the

defence is organised, said different bits for Scotland to attack. The

selection for this match is a physical one, and I think winning,

the contact, it will be key in this game. You can see that. The physical

presence has been noted. It is nice to see that people are being picked

on performance. It is a big decision leaving Ritchie out of the team. So,

well done to Scotland to be able to do that. And Ryan Grant is in, it is

great to see him, he has been away on the Lions tour, it is good to see

what he has got to offer. Also, Ross Ford, he has struggled a bit, so the

back row, they are already firing. A lot of competition for places,

especially in the second row, which is good for the game. This will be

as good as a World Cup game. They always want to beat players better

than them, don't get me wrong, in the last few games, Japan of 13,

Scotland have only won one. Scotland have not paid for a long time. --

played for a long time. The last official test match between these

two was in 2004, and Scotland got 100 points. A recent inductee, Chris

Paterson, he managed to get 40 point! We were behind. We were 8-3

behind after 20, 25 minutes. It was late in the second half when they

scored the majority of the points. Typical poaching here! Offside!

Takes the glory! I was off the field of play, I could not be offside! 98

at the time, I think it was, and Robbie Russell said, you had better

take this! We will hear more shortly, but Scott Johnson is the

coach this afternoon, Vern Cotter will be taking over as Scotland

coach in June of next year, he is currently at Clermont Auvergne, but

he was around with the squad this afternoon and he spoke to our man.

Has it been hands-on? Cabbie told the new players what you expect of

them? Not yet, it is not my role to be saying that yet. I met the

coaching staff and a number of the players for the first time, it was

just to say hello and watch them go about their business. It was really

positive. I have had discussions for a while with Scott Johnson as to how

we see things moving forward for the month of June next year. But I have

been actively following the players for quite awhile, and it is good to

see them together. I am looking forward the game on Saturday.

Actively following them for a while? What do you make of the current

squad, given that? It is exciting. Scott is developing depth within the

squad. There is a good generation coming through. There are some

good, old soldiers in there that are the guardians, temple guardians, if

you like. It is a good mix. There are three good games coming up

against this Japanese team, which I think we have to be very careful of,

and I think Australia and South Africa offer good opposition, so, it

would be great, great for them to move forward as a group. You say

that they are developing new players, is that with instructions

from you as to what you would like to be put in place for your arrival

next summer? No, we're not there at all yet, John is doing a good job of

running the whole show. We are just having open discussions on some

players and some strategies, and certain developments within the

team, so that we would be in a strong position later on and for the

World Cup. Vern Cotter, the coach to be joining

as next June. Doddie, should he be here now? I

think you should. You appoint someone in a job, whether Scott

Johnson should've got to rector of rugby? He was good as director of

coaching, you should have maybe had to stay another year to justify

being put upstairs to director of rugby. But it is the decision the

Scottish Rugby union have made, and they have appointed a new coach that

cannot come for another year, which again is bizarre, but he comes with

great credentials, but you would think you would want to be involved,

because I would certainly want to be involved, and between both coaches,

at least try and put some ancestors on what will happen in the next

little while, because when he gets hold of the reins, he has only got

just over a year before the World Cup, and so it is a strange decision

that he is here. But not bring any part, I cannot understand. It will

be more joined up. They know each other well. It's maybe quite a good

thing because he will see exactly how the guys prepare, what their

mentality is like. Sometimes, that sometimes tell more truth than when

you are immersed in it. One man he will not be seen this afternoon is

the flying Dutchman/Scotland. How's the injury and how frustrating is it

to be sitting here isn't being out there? The injury is well. I've had

my operation, and as far as I had been told, its crown well. The next

six weeks, I spend in cast. It's tough, especially when the

atmosphere is as good as it is in Murrayfield. Let's talk about the

game. Japan are a different side, an up-and-coming side. Scotland should

still expect to win this one, though. Scotland are expected to

win, but Japan are an up-and-coming team. We are beating Wales, but they

are becoming a good team. You would expect scrolling to win a game like

this, but make no mistake, it will be tough. Do you feel being around

this place is that Scotland are beginning to turn some kind of

corner? Definitely. The problem at the moment is the up and downs. The

autumn internationals last year, we were poor at times. In the summer,

we put in good performances again. So it's a matter of consistency.

Shame for him. He will be out for quite some time. Let's get the votes

of the Scotland coach. Game day is upon us. We have had a good week.

Now the action starts. There is always a special atmosphere and

excitement. No doubt. Upgradable charity for these lads. Treat it as

your last. What do you feel in particular your side must do well to

win? We've got to make sure we have a contact right. It's a long day at

the office. Do you feel what you are trying to build and achieve here, a

win is essential? Performance is essential. Good performance is what

we want. We are up against a good side. We want to know we have done

everything we possibly can. You do get the feeling from the Japanese.

They have beaten Wales. They are quite a good side.

Scott Johnson saying a good performance is key. Victory has got

to be in terms of getting the results under way for the autumn

internationals. To get that victory, you need a good performance. The big

key error you spoke about was contact. And that's where Japan will

be strong. Their back of New Zealand origin, and the hooker and

scrum-half both played super rugby, so they will drive the team.

Scotland need to move the ball at the right time. You need good

decision-makers. I spoke to Shane Williams, now playing domestic rugby

out in Japan. He was saying Scotland have to keep it tight. Japan is a

physical side. I don't know if I would agree with those tactics. The

area but Japan syllabub one is defence. They have missed quite a

few first-line tackles. They got good get a wit on the game. While

Scotland has, they are very fate. In order to use that, you have got to

get them working. I would like to see quick and fast rules. Don't get

hiding to a slow, sluggish game. This Japan side have beaten Wales

during the summer. They are clearly a side that can do damage to any

side. Some interesting things to build on. There are some really good

players. They are as good as they can be, so they need exposure to

play a side like New Zealand. They will be taking this really

seriously. And here come the Japan side. On to the hallowed turf at

Murrayfield. It should be a beauty of a match. Enjoy it in the company

of our commentary team. Big, important game. Practically,

very interesting. It will be a great afternoon here. The best game of the

season is always a bit nervy. You can see some of the players on the

pitch before the game I you just want them up and running with a good

performance. That's what Scotland haven't had in the last three

competitions. Fairly full crowd. 31,000 or so. It's the time we

played the Japanese. And Scotland have won all three of those.

Squirrel 179 points against Japan. Young bands here looking forward to

this. As the fireworks go, you can hear the crowd being wound up. The

noise level goes up. And here they come, onto this page. There are

stories of this pitch being not too firm. So let's keep an eye out. But

fundamentally, the Japanese will be fit and fast. It's about coming out

and putting their mark on the game. The physicality in the first ten

minutes as to be key for Scotland. Set the tone, start with a bang.

Andy Brown sounds for a minute's silence.

That was Piper Ross Miller. It's now time for the national anthems.

Here we go, as Lamont takes his tracksuit off.

The Japanese words are not as tall as the Scots.

These scrum-half has been playing for the Highlanders in New Zealand.

It is to bench is packed with talent.

There is the referee, JP Doyle of England. They also have the video

referee here to look for infringements. Here we go, Japan

against Scotland at Murrayfield. The Japanese against the all Blacks

got some momentum. The Scots will have studied the tape, they play a

very flat game from the scrum-half. Yes, it allows the Scottish line

speed and defence to really come up and hit them.

Japan are keeping possession, a good break, and that was the first little

chink in Scottish armour. Anyone that gets behind, they are

dangerous. He was thinking that Ono would be on his shoulder, but sadly

he was taken out. Just over the halfway line, looking

for runners. De Luca and Matt Scott with these initial drives.

This is better by Scotland. Kept in by Tommy Seymour? Yes, play on. The

Scots have a bit more space. Swinton is doing a lot of ball

carrying. A little chip kick through, back

those Goromaru, and he watches as carefully. -- back goes. It is it

true into Japan. -- a throw in. Lots of running from Denton and Swinton,

but no great inspiration. A slow ball. On a few occasions, Scotland

got on the front foot and got a quick ball, but did not deliver.

The Japanese, lots of long throws against the all Blacks, this time, a

free kick for Scotland. I think they will run it.

First scrum of the day, they need to exert some pressure. Does Scotland

have the push? This is the main news, the Scots are about two

kilograms per man has a is the heaviest. -- about two kilograms per

man heavier, Euan Murray is the heaviest for Scotland.

This is the first time in international rugby that they have

played the new engagement rules in the scrum. The referee will tell

Greg Laidlaw went to put the ball in. It has to go down the middle of

the tunnel. This Japanese front row, they did well against New Zealand.

It is a penalty, says JP Doyle. There is the pitch already. Number

one, hand on the ground, collapsing. Look at that pitch, there is no

structure. One scrum and it has gone to that. Kelly Brown is taking the

penalty. He is seven points away from 200

with his career, Craig Laidlaw. That is easy as you like it.

Straight between the posts, Laidlaw, Scotland three ahead. For more point

and he is in 200 test points in his 22nd cap. Laidlaw is going well. --

four more points. The grounds man, they are coming on to fix it, an

army of men with pitchforks to keep it in check.

The analysis these teams do love each other, they might have a hint

of what might be coming ahead. -- the analysis these teams do on each

other. I do not think Euan Murray was expecting that. He was knocked

back because he was static. When you are a sitting target, Japan, any

country will smash you back. He might have been part of a runaround.

The Japanese, against All Blacks, they really close down around

injury. These Japanese for -- forward players, they are not all,

but they try to make their players stronger. If you look at that,

Japan, they make their players stronger. You can see the difference

coming in. 16 very professional teams in the top 16 league.

Eight minutes gone, Andy, and just the one piece of scoring. I am

laughing at JP Doyle, he is saying, you have to wind before you engaged.

He just said to number one, you do not need to pre-bind before you

bind. The craziness of the modern scrum,

if you look at the state of the pitch, the ball did not go in

straight, it is supposed to go in straight, and secondly, I think

there were some moving forward. Ross Ford, you could not get his leg in.

It is a lost art. For years, the hookers never hoped, they always

went forwards. You can see the ball is stuck in the tunnel because Ross

Ford could not get his right foot forward. Nice and solid strike to

move it forward. Denton has it at his feet, and there is the penalty.

That is a statement of intent, even on your own ball, you can move

forward. We have seen three scrums and it has been fairly powerful.

That is good. Euan Murray is on this side, he is in a good, strong

position, really having a go. It means McCarney has two come in the

angle. -- it means McCarney has to come in the angle. Playing with some

real directness, I want to see good angles, some good passing.

Jackson, sneaking in between two players.

Good Japanese defence. They are up quickly.

Grand toes better and gets through the first tackle and bundles up the

pitch. -- grant does better. Seymour has got speed? Did he bumped

into colour? No, says the referee. -- did he bump into Kellogg?

Ono kicks on, Scottish defences lazy. A penalty to the Japanese. It

is hard to decipher that. The Scots are getting across the gain line and

try to get with and it went wrong. A lot of that play was good, there was

the directness that you need, and Sean Maitland, this was the second

part, he came out to Tommy Seymour and set it up. It was good they were

be cycling. This is the penalty at the end and you see Scotland being

penalised. They got in behind and it was the composure that let them

down. It is that balance, one to get behind a team, it is all about

exerting that pressure. They will play to the pattern. That is what

they are doing, patterns are very effect. This will be a line-out to

the Japanese. Goromaru, a key man, scored 14 tries.

This one is long, that is what he does.

That's a good break this time! Battering away at the Scottish

defence. Thumping tackle! I think I felt up here. Was that a knock on?

Yes, it was. Great hit by Swinson. And it was the first time the

Scottish defence came off the line well. Look at that! Sheer

commitment. But before that, there were a number of faces -- phases

where the Scottish defence were a bit weak. Scotland were too passive

there. The Japanese do that a lot. They do two or three flat passes.

And Swinson read it. It's been two thirds Scotland. Who has impressed

so far? Laidlaw has been good. Swinson, we've just seen a tackle

there. He's always a nuisance that the contact. And Maitland as well.

Really impressed with him. This is a chance, though, for Scotland to set

a platform to clear the lines. Scotland have advantage in

territory. Yes, but a really disappointing scrum. The coach is 20

yards away. When they've got that dominance, Scotland should never be

losing the ball. That will just stuck there in the tunnel.

There's a penalty in the middle of the pitch. There's been an advantage

for Scotland. It was clearly from taking them all down.

You can see Japan they have taken it down. This is where Scott was taking

a player out. Laidlaw's chance to get three more

points. That was a dangerous and stupid

tackle. It was high because he was going

down. A penalty is enough for that. All the penalties are going

Scotland's way. Scots have won three line-outs, and line-outs going well.

I have been impressed by this Japanese back row. Lots of

uncompromising players. The game is a bit stop - start,

isn't it? The conditions are not great for underfoot. Japan have

certainly done their homework. Borthwick has been working as a

technical coach with Japan. And he has worked really hard with the

line-outs. They do get the likes of Thomson, the Kiwi. He has won 21

caps. And there he goes again. That was a really low tackle there.

Another penalty. Just that lack of discipline for the Japanese, coming

round the corner. Poor decision-making. They just kept

going. They went after it, tried to get their hands on and they have

been penalised. And Laidlaw's kick makes it six - 04

Scotland would nearly 22 minutes played. We've had the bigger sides,

so this time, that coaching team there pretty happy with the setup so

far. This is the big second row. That's a

good little break by no, who was one of the better players. And it's a

penalty to the Japanese. Japanese playing this zip bang rugby.

Look how flat they go. Now they go for wit, just that little bit more

depth. Wing, the number 12 for Japan, he is on the ground but he is

a great player. One of the best Australian rugby league players, and

easier playing for Japan for rugby union. Really capable player.

Brown, the captain there. He got on the ball.

If Brown had let him between them, they would have got their hands on

the ball legitimately. During that, we missed the fact that they kept

into touch directly. This will be a scrum to Scotland. It will give

Scotland a chance. Three officials now, and they have

talked to each other. Good referee management. I quite like him.

Murray, the heaviest player on the pitch. The tallest Japanese player

is six foot five, but Swinson is six foot four.

Scott is trying to make a point again. It's going to be a penalty,

though, to the Scots because you cannot pool and wheel, you have to

push and wheel. Absolutely. It's real pressure at scrum time. You can

see you again, no hook. The hook comes now. Scotland have got the

large, and as pleasing as it is for the coach, it must be a nightmare

for the ground staff because they are having scrum after scrum! The

other assessment is also that a wet pitch gives a scrummage team an

advantage, because once they team slides back, they have no chance.

But the Scots keep this going, they will have a huge advantage.

Knocked on. Not the best pass by Scott. A little bit low. Up to that

point, I was really impressed, actually, with how Scotland were

coming off. Scott was the first will receive, but just couldn't get that

pass. Up to that point, Jackson took in. Good to see Scott stepping in

first receiver. I am a big fan of his. I want to see him do much more

of that. In South Africa and last season, Scott has really come on.

Here's a chance for Scotland to exert some pressure. Good scrum by

the Japanese. And that was into the right winger. Japanese very quick to

spin around. The winger and a centre, lots of ability. Broadhurst

has done so well, hasn't he? Somebody is down in the Scottish

colours. Not good. It looks like Kelly Brown. This is Male Sau. He is

trying to get going. More zip and vigour about this. The Japanese are

playing against 14 men, Raman. I think there is a case in point for

stopping these games. If somebody is injured, stop the game. Some speeds

down the left. What a break by Fukuoka. That is the break of the

game so far. The game rumbles on. As it stops, we go back to look at that

injured player. Not looking good to me. A good play by Fukuoka. It is

Ryan Grant that is injured. He got his head in a bad position. I

do not know if he was caught by a knee. A different angle. Straight on

the head. Maybe a bit of compressions. This was the break.

Fukuoka, he gets on the outside and does really well. He is beaten by 23

tackles. That is a sad moment for Ryan Grant,

he was definitely given a bang on the head. That could be a problem

for the next few weeks. They will take the concussion rule to the side

of the pitch, he might be OK. I do not know if there is any blood or

anything. They will check him out. If they are 100% sure he can

continue, he would be returned to the pitch of play.

This might not have the same solidity as it would with Ryan

Grant, but we will see. At K am up against Dickinson. -- Hatukayama Up

against Dickinson. The game plan is to take the scrum as long as they

can. They were looking for David Denton to pick up and go, but if you

know the outcome will be a penalty like this, then Scotland's will be

40 yards further down with line-out to start the game again. I think

Euan Murray is doing some damage on the right-hand side. The tight head

props of the most valuable in these teams.

Euan Murray, he cannot play next week, because of his religious

beliefs. The ball is coming back more sweetly

now. A lovely ball through to Maitland. And he keeps on going. He

off-loads, and Ross Ford hazard. -- has it.

Scotland's look like they have got a platter and going here now. -- a

pattern going. Swinton is good, he picks up his

knees, and he always makes two or three yards.

Seymour in for the try! That is a good score! Seymour goes in for his

first try of the day, but that really was a team score, because it

was phase after phase. Really impressive play. They kept it going

forward, and eventually, the defence came through, they really good quick

line speed. Kelly Brown to Ruaridh Jackson and a really good finish to

the missed tackle. If you watch Seymour, he has two come around the

angle. He is behind the play and then he comes around to take it

passed. Good, quick possession. This is Laidlaw's chance to get up

to 200 points. He is on 199 for his country. Scotland are 11-0 up

against Japan heading towards half-time . A little bit short.

Scotland have got patterns going now.

Sean Maitland was very prominent early on in that phase. He got

around the defence and scored a great individual try. Scotland,

after a slow first ten minutes, they are now beginning to function as a

back division. A Japanese substitution, it's good

because of an injury, or it could be because Scotland are dominating, I

think it could be the latter. Scotland have been dominating.

This man has tonnes of speed, her seat and then Fukuoka on the left.

From. -- Horosi But. That was a great pass, but I think

Tommy Seymour sold himself a little bit. This is the penalty, not really

releasing, allowing the ball to be played. Scotland will be

disappointed, having gotten 11 points up, giving away a penalty,

because they allowed Japan to get in behind them. That was a great

off-duty to Male Sau. Google will go has had some blistering breaks

already. -- Fukuoka has had some blistering breaks.

Japan, you feel, have to start scoring to get into this game.

Goromaru, he slotted some games against the Welsh and the All

Blacks. That is a good looking cake, had it

has worked, for three points. -- a good-looking kick. That try was key,

the scrummaging was key, they are all key to Scotland, and Scott

Johnson has said they had to keep the ball away from the Japanese

entry would keep them that way. Everything you have said is

positive. Scotland have let Japan getting behind on another of

occasions, and they have only conceded three points, but it could

have been more. The Japanese are flying in here.

Laidlaw is demanding that his forwards go around the corner.

The first tackle goes low. They are trying to do the Irish tilled tackle

to get the ball off the ground. A good line speed from the Japanese,

getting up from the string of bodies across the pitch.

De Luca, what a great start from the De Luca. This could be the try.

Taken to Laidlaw. And it is going to be another one by Sean Lamont! That

is a break and a half by Nick De Luca! If that is a, it is all down

to him. Sean Lamont is over the line, it could be a score. I think

it is a try. Nick De Luca, twinkle toes to get through. Remember, we

said, you can go back to phases. He wants to check an obstruction

outside the 22. He is right to go back. He is right to go back,

because De Luca came back with an inside ball, and there was a lot of

traffic. That check this then. There is De Luca and Denton takes it up.

He is on the ten metre line. Denton did well. If we watch it, this is

what happens. It goes to the right. Going back to, three phases. The

TML, he could be looking for foul play, infringements. -- TMO. I think

it is the phase after this. De Luca, number 13, Jackson brings it

back. I think Swinton might have blocked. Here we go. Is Craig Wing

obstructed by Swinton? Maybe not. I do not think it was deliberate, if

it was obstruction. I think we are going to watch it again. Is there

obstruction ahead of Nick De Luca? Yes, is the answer, I think. It is

one of those ones, before you could go back, before the art of scoring,

it was a try. Because you can do it in slow motion and because it comes

back, is Craig Wing prevented from making the tackle?

Obstruction penalty, he engaged the defensive player. Obstruction

penalty outside the 22, no try. The crowd doesn't like it. BOOING. This

is the moderate face of rug you, you can go back a few paces. -- Moder in

face of rugby. If you go back, there is always a chance there will be an

obstruction around it. Complicated line-out. They trust

that long throw, don't they? The Japanese do play with real

impetus on a dry pitch. They beat Wales on a dry pitch and you can see

why. Flat ball with a little drift from

oh no. You can hear these Japanese voices.

They like what they are doing here. This could be half-time, I think. A

good piece of play, but it's half-time. Scotland are leading

11-3. There's a lot of good things. They have only scored 11 points,

though. Defensively, they should be concerned that I may number of

occasions, Japan has got through. I would like to see their line speed,

intensity and defence increase in the second half. That's it. 11-3.

What's to come in the second half. It didn't start as well as we might

have expected. Relied very heavily on the boot of Laidlaw. Scotland did

finally get over the line, but after a tremendous amount of work and big

and hard hits. Laidlaw missed again. But it was a war of attrition in

that first half from Scotland's point of view. Seymour on his

Murrayfield debut got across the line. 11-3 at half-time. And that's

the way it stands at the moment. 58% of total territory to Scotland.

We weren't expecting that. Japan did everything right. Scotland were

strong in defence but managed to keep things together, but only 11

points scored. Scotland got better as the half went on. The Japanese

were exactly what I expected them to be. Scotland settled into the game,

and they could try from Seymour after a big build-up. You thought

the ball might have been thrown about a bit more by Scotland. But he

said the tactics were right. They were, and you can see that. But I'm

forced errors. Scotland are making way and making inroads. It has been

a very combated Japanese side defending well, it's just that last

phase. It's Seymour and Swinson's debut here at Murrayfield. Swinson,

especially here, very aggressive. It puts the players down. Just the way

he goes in is unbelievable. He gets around a field as well and takes the

ball up, which is very important. Swinson there, just a more physical

player. That's what we want to see from players. The big hits are part

of the game now. If he hadn't made that tackle, they probably wouldn't

have scored. He has been doing at the Glasgow and has been doing that

well here. When Scotland had opportunities, it wasn't utilised

particularly well. Denton taking it forward. Again, driving forward.

They are trying to put Japan on the back foot. This was a great pass

forward. I thought they would squeal here. What's nice as well, it's

great to see the links between backs and forwards. The forwards and backs

linking, changing the angles as well. That was a role in the

build-up to Seymour's try. The forwards taking it on. Watch Jackson

here. A classic finish. Brochures of the tackle. The backs and fraud are

doing the job correctly is a full team. Very much so. It took 30

minutes for that to happen. That could have resulted in a try, but

this time, they kept their patients. It resulted in a good Seymour Drive.

Let's have a look at some of the attacks that didn't go quite so

well. Fine tuning, really. A set piece move. Timing is slightly off.

The result is a poor pass. That's not fine tuning! He shouldn't be as

far away from a player as that. You are right, but the fine tuning is a

big thing. That pass was a second too quick. That would've been timing

and accuracy. It's great to see Scott in there, doing that, but they

were challenging the Japanese defence. Lamont did go over for a

try, though. Swinson was involved in some way. Unfortunately, he is

playing the referee. A great build-up as well. If Swinson didn't

hurt his right hand up, he would have been away with that. It was a

correct call at that stage. But if he said, I'm sorry. The right hand,

just to hold onto the player. It might have been a try. Almost didn't

have to do that because the player was away. Let's get the view from

inside the Scotland camp. Do you think the players will be happy with

that versatile? Japan have been quite physical. They have been good

in terms of error count. That's keeping the game tight at the

moment. We can't complain. We have made yards. You will see that

continue in the second half, and hopefully, lead to more tries. All

Scott Johnson be looking for more than the second half? We need to

keep our patients. We are physical and going forward well. If we keep

doing that, it just depends when that will be. Scotland had to do the

same thing. Yes, that better. You have to use the game is 80 minutes.

What they have learned from the first half, how the Japanese are

defending, for incidents, they have to keep the ball also had to finish

the moves they are creating. Japan created a couple of chances, and

their winger has some pace about them. He has been the danger man.

Not a lot of room here. It shows what they can offer here. A great

tackle. It is causing problems. Seymour read that wrong. But you can

see how fast he is. He's a top try scorer for them. It is such a close

game. You can see that by the stats at half-time. It's very even. They

have to keep an eye on him because he would be a focus. Let's get the

view from inside the Scotland coaching camp. What was the message

at half-time? In attack, we have to get quicker balls. How tricky is

that pitch to deal with? It's not easy. It's our first game, but

that's no excuse. Dropped a couple too many balls. We need to get

quicker balls second half. Overall, happy? Fairly. Quite a few mistakes

there but the defence needs to improve. Nice to improve in certain

areas, but Scotland are 11-3 ahead. What you think, in the second half?

Not a happy man there! A lot of issues. They have taken 30 odd

minutes to come into this game. The line-outs are going well. In the

scrums, they have the upper hand. They are working well together,

backs and forwards. They just have to keep the opportunities and

patience and don't throw any daft passes away. Keep the focus and

things will come together. Can Scotland close this game now?

Traditionally, Scotland will pull out, but Japan are a very fit side.

They are very physical unfit. Scotland have to be more accurate.

Accuracy required. Let's see if they are able to achieve that in the

company of our commentators. Scotland have only managed to win

once in their last five matches. The most recent, a win over Italy in

June. Two great games after this one as well: South Africa. So far, it's

been a lot of good impetus for the Japanese. The Scots trying to get

their patterns ready. Enough of a foundation to build on for a second

half. Goromaru is ended and there is a

counter rock by Scotland. -- ruck. This is Denton Way out of the left

wing and he is brought down. Jackson is dipped late into the

tackle. When you have a chat at half-time,

you want to come out and truly get going in the second half. This is

the start of the second half, and jury Jackson, I cannot imagine that

is the best ever contact! -- Ruaridh Jackson. A poor connection from

Ruaridh Jackson. It is not often you see Denton up in the air like that.

It just shows you the rules now these days, you have to bring the

player down gently. In the olden days when you had tipped tackles,

the next thing was to drill them down, and Denton is playing well

today. This is a flyer, Fukuoka, that is an

incredible try from Japan, from one end of the pitch to the other. That

is how you get back into a game! That is well work at. -- worked.

Jackson flies up, but picks the wrong man is to fly upon. -- the

wrong man to fly upon. He runs straight, textbook, simple rugby,

executed well. A great try from Japan. They left men out wide, and

it was those last tip on passes, and Fukuoka, he has proven that he can

run today. And Goromaru dissects the kick

strait between the posts. It signals intended that the Japanese are

here. That was a great try. Tanaka in gauges the play. Great buy Japan,

focal logo as the great scorer. -- Fukuoka is a great scorer.

This could be Japanese possession. Scotland will get it back. Jackson

is looking for the short one. Lamont has come off his wing, and

making the extra few inches. This is better play from Scotland, picked up

by Dickinson. A couple of feet from the try-line and picked up again.

Goromaru is in there. Strokosch is within a foot. And Laidlaw looks up

and sees Denton and gives the ball to Denton and he is through again.

This is good play by Scotland. Lots of bodies to the left if they want

them. Good defence from Japan also. They are determined to make this

power advantage count. What a way to bring up that iconic milestone in

your rugby career, Greig Laidlaw slips over the line. A great try and

he puts Scotland back in the lead. Great decision-making, 18, 19, 20

paces. He passes it to the first runner. The Japan defence were

expecting Greig Laidlaw to pass it, but he did not. A great scrum-half

try. You can see Kelly Brown holding a

leg to make sure the defence couldn't get out quick three. --

quickly. Scotland back into the lead after

that's right from Japan. -- that fright from Japan. He didn't do

anything badly wrong, it was a very well taken try. A very good clear

red. -- clear red. Seymour seems full purpose this

afternoon. He has got a spring in his step.

A loss of power from Le Monde, but not on by Swinson on a very good

off-load. -- from Lamont. Let's go back to this try that has just been

scored, Euan Murray, look at number three on the screen, look at what he

does. He takes out the Japan defender and Greig Laidlaw goes

straight through. If you contrast that to Tim Swinson's involvement

just before half-time in the Sean Lamont try. The vagaries in the law,

we can look at this in slow motion, if this was to be asked, which is

more obstructive, these are the vagaries in the law.

Are you saying there is some cheating going on that is

undetected? All the time. If you're looking in slow motion, you pick it

up with a fine tooth comb, but when you have a moment like this, where

Euan Murray takes out the Japanese defender he was not involved, then

it is a clear obstruction, the try is allowed. You should be allowed to

examine foul play and violent conduct at any time, but there are

so many replays you can do, I think. The Japanese have done well, they

have got the ball. Goromaru is a good player here, he has scored 14

tries for his country. A lovely little try by Fukuoka. His second

try. That started with a scrum that went wrong and the Japanese showing

they have come on so much. This is a dangerous game. Goromaru with a

great escape. What a scrum Japan have put in, having been completely

dominated at scrum time by Scotland in the first 50 minutes. They

absolutely destroyed Scotland. Good hands, and Goromaru, and a good

angle and De Luca gets pulled in. Look at this off-load, he almost

passes it to Fukuoka for a second try. Absolute power. Euan Murray is

getting absolutely done there. He is not, Makabe was coming in the angle.

Lots of distribution. A bad scrum. There is Goromaru. His brakes are

put through the back by Male Sau. Back to within three points.

That is a beautiful kick, right between the posts. Japan within a

point of Scotland on home turf. They have never beat Northern Hemisphere

country in own territory. If that was hoped, dare I say it,

old-fashioned leak, that try was not conceded. -- if that was hooked.

Goromaru made that ball available to focal -- Fukuoka.

This could be a real key line-out. A great kick by Ruaridh Jackson.

Scotland now have a line-out, five guards from the line.

This will be a catch and drive or something quick to Sean Lamont,

Kelly Brown cooking something up. They will try to get Denton to the

back. They do not contest the Japanese, they just try to drive

back. The Japanese are keeping this going. Side entry. A penalty to

Scotland and a free ball. That's a good try! Another good try

by Scotland. It tried to take them further ahead. Very good decision,

off-the-cuff. When you get a good off-loaded, there's every chance you

will get good try. Good defence by the Japanese to start with. It

allowed Japan to throw everything at it and they have got the penalty

here. They went inch by inch. That is now the three ball.

This is a great pass. All of Japan's defence have been pulled in and a

good finish by Seymour. That's the beauty of Jackson 's version. And

the kick is to the left. But Laidlaw has had plenty of good vision today

as well. There's that long spin pass by Jackson to see more for his

second try. It was that little turnaround then off-loaded by the

lucre. It needed to be scored, but you needed to get the right pass.

The Scots, at the moment, have 13 men on the pitch. I don't see

anybody else. Gray is certainly not on the pitch.

Scott is appealing for a penalty, and they've got it. And here's the

big blonde, Richie Gray. You're making a substitution. You've

got to take a guy off before the guy coming on as ready. Scotland had to

defend for 14 men. Protocol fell down a wee bit.

Enough about Japan to be worried about. Scotland, I think, would

prefer a pitch a little bit faster for them.

You run into one of the best rugby league players of all time. Good

movement. Look how low these tackles are. The

Scottish players arrived quickly. It's a penalty. There's going to be

a card. If it wasn't for this one. The slow ball came back. That's why

the yellow card should be used, when it is slowing the ball down. He

actually gave away a lot of points. He's given away a few penalties

today. You can see him here. He's on the back there. He's on his feet. He

has release that. The referee will be calling hands off. Static start.

Good pace. Just opened up, didn't it?

They are a man up in the pack now. Broadhurst doing his best, as Liz

Thompson. What a great place to attack from.

Swinson, the first hour, you has really put a shift in. Yes, but that

all could have gone wide. If you were to look at that wide, they

could have gone wide. The last scrum was very much Japan

scrum. This should be a try, definitely.

Yamashita is now on the tight head because the first half was bad. Now,

they are down a man, and Denton would fancy his chances. Lamont has

lined up straight behind the pack. As the world stood last year, they

just called it soft it. Inevitably, you will go over the mark.

Punishing series of attacks by Scotland. This could be a try here.

He's lost his footing. The game as" and it's a deserved try. Great score

by Scotland there. Some great play. They just about lost a bit of

composure but they got back. To finish off a really well worked

try. I agree with you there. Dickinson has come off the bench for

Grant. And Dickinson has done well since he's come on.

Scotland 30. Again, Scott was really prominent in the build-up to that

try. Two fantastic breaks. Look at that. Very well executed try.

Sometimes, Jackson gets bad press, but he's coming off. He's had a good

game today. It will be scrum to the Scots on the

halfway line. This game has become more comfortable, more open.

Obviously, the Japanese are a man down. 74% territory to Scotland

second half. Japan's two tries have come from deep in their own half

from a turnover ball. Scotland didn't do too much wrong to concede

the tries. Shows you exactly what is happening.

And what's happening is complete scrum dominance from Scotland there.

Still a fairly technical part of the game. So many debates about

engagement over the years. Almost 12 minutes per scrum. I saw a referee

sin bin to props for Glasgow, and I thought it was a good thing.

Sometimes, there's a soft hit. There, they've both gone down. It's

a scrum to Scotland, although a penalty to Scotland, rather. There

was obviously a lapse of concentration which led to Japan

school, but since then, they have screwed the nut. They know every

scrum is vital. And they've got the dominance back again. 12 minutes

left. Duncan Weir, a very good player,

blighted with injury a bit. Scotland have the ball again.

Try for Duncan Weir! Extraordinary! So many passes! JP Doyle wants to

look at the video again, but good backing up by Duncan Weir and great

down the wing. Let's see if this is a tried? -- try? It came from a

Japan player. It alleged Duncan Weir to pick it up. It was a very well

work is trying. -- well worked try. Was it forward to Duncan Weir?

V what happened here. -- let us see what happened here. It came off

Japan. A legitimate try. A good touchdown. Comes off wing. Duncan

Weir, no problem. A tried for Scotland. -- try for Scotland. We

have a decision, that is a try. Duncan Weir was like he was right in

the right place. Good passing, good pace. Sean Lamont, very good on his

feet. Good work by Sean Maitland. A good finish by Duncan Weir.

11 minutes left or so, and here is another look at the try. Andy

Nicholls started off well with Maitland and Lamont. They set it up.

Keep the ball in play, that is a good message to any young players,

and followed the ball, support on the inside. Some were substitutions,

Pat MacArthur coming on. -- some more. He replaces Ross Ford. Pat

MacArthur, there he is. He is coming on for his second cap. He was capped

in the summer and then he got injured. This is a player who I

think will play for Scotland for some time. A very talented player.

Some Japanese subs happening also. Scotland are feeling comfortable. De

Luca has exercised a few Demons today, he has played well. A lot of

players have played well. Executing some tries.

Plenty of West on the ball. Not the ideal day for with, but I have

always liked Duncan Weir's passing. This would be a penalty to the

Japanese. Swinson is there, and you have got Kelly Brown. The Scots

would be pretty happy with what has happened here, apart from some

lapses, principally, in the first half. In the second half, bit more

dominant. Lots of aspects of this would be really pleasing. There are

things you want to work on as well, and there is an awful lot to work

on. The scrum, that needs to be sorted out. The hulking. --

hooking. The Japanese are on the attack ran the corner, because

Kikutani was taken down. Look at the scrambling of this blue defensive

line. Matt Taylor has his work very much of the four.

Lots of figure and speed. -- vigour.

That went slightly forward and it is pulled back. Did it go off the hand

or off the body? Not sure. I do not think Richie Gray went at that.

Fukuoka takes to the open space and is under pressure.

Greig Laidlaw and Euan Murray leave the pitch. They have put in some

good work. Euan Murray will not be available next weekend, as Andy

Nicholls has said, because of his beliefs.

Geoff Cross is on, and Henry Pyrgos Islam. -- is on.

If you want to watch good rugby, go to schools rugby, there is a final

here on Wednesday the 22nd of Bamber in Murrayfield. Some great sides

playing and a great night of entertainment.

Not good to see a player limping off. But here is what matters, the

scorer, 35-17. Hatakeyama is back on.

Come this way. A little bit closer. Come closer to the mark so we can

get it in. This is the problem with modern

rugby, still the scrummage. Of course, it is almost impossible to

bind now on skintight jerseys. Pre-bind allows them to huddle up.

They haven't really had that grinding ability up front, the

Japanese. Fukuoka, he catches it, and he has got to Scott on him, one

of them being Duncan Weir. Turned over by Berkeley. He really

is the arch porter of the ball. The pirate.

Goromaru goes loose, he has got it, he's going to off-loaded. This is

real, real up and at them stuff. He is having a look to see a Sean

Lamont was held. Penalty try? Let's have a look. Can you check if the

last Japanese player tackles the Scottish player off the ball,

please? Goromaru, rather pestering to get back there. He doesn't

collect. Does he take him out? I do not think he intends to. You don't

think he intends to? ! But he did! That is a penalty try. He is over

the top of him. He has taken him out. He has not meant to, it is not

a red card, a penalty, but not yellow card. The TV match official

is watching this. His decision will be final. Was he obstructed Stella

Brickley? I have a decision. A yellow card for number 15 and a

penalty to Scotland. -- was he obstructed Stella Brickley?

That is harsh on Goromaru, he has had a good game. He doesn't collect

it, but he's not doing anything intentionally. You could argue he

was just going for the ball. That is a tough one. A penalty to Scotland

by all accounts. A chip ahead. That might be a try by

Sean Lamont! I am not sure it was touchdown by Japanese player. His

brother, he was saying that the teams do not make enough of the dead

ball area. It is a little chip. The video referee has a lot of work this

afternoon! Come on, Mr Doyle, let the video referee run this. Is the

onside? Yes, he is onside. He is obstructed. That is a try. He

deserved that, because you could argue the last time he was taken

out, he was definitely behind. That is probably more cynical than the

number 16 then we saw from Goromaru. So, Lamont what has been a very good

display today. And that is a 12 try in blue, and a belt it was, too.

A good afternoon at Murrayfield. Lamont with the try. A lot of good

performances today. But I have to say, my man of the match is

Scotland's second row, Tim Swenson. He will be doing the full 80 minutes

and has had a fantastic game. Not many people would argue against you.

He's been involved in everything. Tracks the far side. Half a minute

left. It's academic now. Swinson is not the biggest man in terms of

sixth at seven or eight or nine, but he's good.

Japanese getting a bit lost. And that's time up. Broadhurst has

chucked the ball up a couple of times.

It's been commanding. So many elements have been key. There's been

a lot of vision from Jackson. It's an 80 minute game. The 80 minute

performance has ultimately been a good one. The first half, a few

things didn't work, but the second half has been good, which means

that, overall, a very good start for Scotland.

Unless they get a try from this, but it's just training. But good play

from the Japanese, real perseverance. Laidlaw has also been

good. Just that extra bit of vision. That is a knock-on to Scotland. It's

been entertaining in the second half. Scrum dominance and good

performances by the likes of Swinson. It's been a really good

game. Japan have contributed enormously to that. Their two tries

were very well taken and they were a much better Japan side than I can

remember. A real improvement, a lot of influx of new players. But

overall, Scotland will be quite happy with that 80 minute

performance. Six tries. They have had to really dig deep after the

first half. Maitland had a good game as well. Dickinson, battered and

abused -- bruised, scored a try. Ten of these players were capped in

South Africa first, and he's brought them on. But the centre pairing of

Scott and Joe Luker, they look an item. Scott wanted to be the

playmaker. He's a good player, and I really like him. We've enjoyed it.

We hope you have, too. Final score, Scotland, 42, Japan, 17.

Not a bad Murrayfield debut. It's fantastic. The code shows have made

it great. At times, it looked a very tough shift. It's going to be hard.

If international rugby. The Japanese are a quality test side. For those

of us who have not had the pleasure of running over this white line

here, explain the experience. The awe-inspiring. You are the man of

the match. Well done. Swinson man of the match there, and

really deserve it as well. 62% of possession for Scotland, a big

improvement on the first half. 92% tackle completion. The fact was, the

Scotland man has two score many more tries. A good start to be without

international series for Scotland. The players run around the pitch

there. Big smile on their faces there. Quite interesting as well,

Dickinson with a nosebleed there, did the job and got a try. But as we

said at half-time, there were a few dangerous men in the Japan side. But

Scotland managed to respond. They dad. -- they did. It was strange how

they let the Japanese score. They way they threw the ball about. The

forwards and back, using the ball in the second half was great. Patience

as well is great. There were 20 faces for this squad. Lovely to see

as a spectator. The timing on the ball so much better. He kept giving

the ball. You got to make the most of your chances, at the end of the

day. That put Scotland ahead by a little bit. Brenton had a fine game

as well. That was a massive win. Massive for us. We knew it would be

tough. The majority of the team showed. Scotland took a little bit

of time to get into their stride. Yes, it's our first game, we haven't

been together for a long time. But the end result was outstanding. That

was a huge win and a game that could have been a banana skin for

Scotland. Japan played well in parts. But we scored 42 points and

two or three nice tries in amongst that. Judge Scott Johnson was saying

he wanted this game to be about people saying, I am your man for the

autumn test series going forward. When you score 42 points, we have

done that. On the whole, a lot of the boys played well. We will go

look at the two tries conceded. Let's bring in the man who scored

two tries and made his debut this afternoon. Doesn't get much better

than that. It's great to get out here finally at Murrayfield. To get

two tries is really special. My parents are in the stands. There are

parts of the game we are not too happy with. But I will not complain

about our performance today. You've not been around this squad too

often. Can the supporters begin to start dreaming big about Scotland?

Hopefully, they will take at the same as the players. We've got to

look at it one step at a time. We are building towards something,

which is the World Cup in 2015. Tonight 's performance is the first

foot, hopefully. That's positive. I would like to think supporters can

come away from here and hope for the future. Incredible there. See more

scoring his two tries on his debut. He is an out and out finisher. He is

very quick and powerful. But he also works hard. The trailer was a

wonderful off-load. They needed more accuracy at half-time. Manages to

get the ball away here. Inch perfect. All in all, performance

from Scotland's point of view, would they be pleased? The first half was

difficult to watch sometimes. We got much more would happen. The second

half was quite delightful. Looking forward to the next two games. There

have been some other matches today. Later this afternoon, more live

rugby coming up. We will be back with Scotland against South Africa

next Sunday. In the first autumn international against a team, it was

Scotland to blossom at the end of the day.