Japan v Scotland - First Test Rugby Union

Unimpaired and on wavered where others choose to go... It is a self

respect that is earned and cannot be bought. It cannot be stolen, and to

the selfish, cannot be told. Basic human desires like comfort, ease and

pleasure, they show you that just those things make men of little

measure. And it is a virtue that liars and thieves cannot deny. They

say, there goes a warrior that is much stronger fan I. -- van eye.

STUDIO: It is the first international since the Six Nations

for Vern Cotter's man, a journey of 9000 kilometres sees them in Japan.

Earlier this year, Scotland handed them their only defeat of the World

Cup. Coming up live here on BBC Two it is Japan against Scotland. Good

to have you with us this morning. A stern test for Vern Cotter's man,

live on BBC Two Scotland. 20 minutes until kick-off, plenty to talk

about. Andy Nicoll, former Scotland captain is with us. Sitting next to

him, a very special guest indeed. Great piece of vision by Rosol.

Russell again! Finn Russell of Glasgow and

Scotland, not with the touring party this summer, because the last time

we saw you was in the semifinal of the Pro12, and your match lasted 56

seconds and it wasn't looking particularly nice. How you doing?

I'm doing well. We are happy with how I'm progressing. It is getting

there. We are getting active full fitness and we will see you play

again? Definitely. Getting back fit and healthy, it is good. It is great

to see you. We sat here during the Pro12 semifinal and thought,

goodness gracious, it is horrible. It is great to see you up and about.

He is a great addition to the squad. It is one of the worst hit that we

have seen in the last few years. Delighted he is back. He will be

able to give us his insight here today. One of the worst injuries to

your own players as well, it is sought to take. Let's talk about

this morning and the Japan side. You were in the Scotland team that won

against Japan in the World Cup, but this seems like a different prospect

this morning? It will be a really tough game today. You know, in new

course for Japan and a lot of changes in the team. They have only

played one game together, we can't really compare them to the last team

in the World Cup. For us, they have done their homework and try on lies

the last game but it is hard to predict which pattern they are going

to play in. -- and analysed the last game. You would normally see the

opposition and the matches on videos or whatever and you can look at your

opposite player. This is a weird one because these guys haven't played

together very much, that is the only way that Scotland have had a chance

to on lies the opposition. The way the professional player plays these

days, he knows about the opposition, what they are going to do

collectively, the coaches. It will be an unknown today. It is really

certain players in the Japan side who played in the World Cup and

power that phenomenal victory against South Africa, probably the

greatest rugby victory ever. It was fantastic to watch. We played them

three days later. The big differences may be what has happened

off the field. Eddie Jones and Steve Borthwick have left Japan and are

now pulling up trees with England, look at what they have done. It

proves how good Eddie Jones was as a coach. They were the Grand Slam

winners. He knows they are playing right now in Australia in the second

Haas. Can Japan keep that momentum going? Marcam and is a good coach

but he is not on the same league as Eddie Jones -- Mark Hamill. I can't

imagine he has changed too much. It will be interesting to see how they

have developed after they have lost those two big influences. New

Zealand against Wales finished 36-22. New Zealand always there or

thereabouts when it comes to world rankings, and if they are to be

believed in Scotland should win this. They are ahead of Scotland.

Japan are on 11. Does it mean anything? They got a good win this

morning against Wales, but two places doesn't mean too much. Deb

asked me to explain how the world rankings work-out. It's amazing, we

have just come out of the World Cup less than 12 months ago. We were

really talking about the next World Cup, coincidentally in Japan. The

group stages, the draw has been made at the end of this year. The top

format, -- the top four. We are nine, ten and beyond. We want to get

a top it. Autumn tests are really important, as this as well. You get

more points if you get a team ranked above you. If Japan beat Scotland in

the next few weeks they will get a big boost and will get above us. It

is really important, if you are talking about the World Cup in Japan

2019, and the world rankings, it is really important. It is important

for both coaches to do well today. Mark Hammond is the Japan interim

coach. He spoke to John Beattie a little earlier. What was the last

thing you said that the players? We talked about the pride of the jersey

and being caretakers, really. It is about what you do while you are in

it. At the moment they have the opportunity to do it. Anything

keeping you awake? I don't know, really. Obviously the players will

be anxious, but I talked about it being an exciting challenge rather

than a nervous one. There might be a height advantage to Scotland, but

there isn't really a weight advantage up front. That's right. I

suppose if we have got an advantage, if we can get our team game going,

there will be an advantage. But once again we need to do the work in the

clean-up to get that. What is acceptable to you today? What's

acceptable? We are always looking for performance. Making things

stick. Pride in our skill set. Scoring points. Look, I think after

coming together since the Six Nations there has been a focus in

improvement, which is always good. I'm proud of this team, they are

proud of putting the jersey on and what it represents. If we look at

our last performance against Ireland, certain things in our game

we were not happy about. If we can keep and maintain the ball, if we

can have composure at critical moments, it is going to be hot, and

they are a team which plays at tempo. Determining the speed of the

game will be important today. Being disciplined, and then once we reach,

make sure that we finish. Often we have had opportunities that have

been wasted because we haven't been accurate the last few passes all the

last few clean-up and that type of thing. Speed of breakdown,

maintaining good decisions, maintaining as they say the old

saying, the school looks after itself. Is it a test of

professionalism? The weather is difficult, away from home, doing the

job, and going home. When you are on the field, we have been trying to be

as accurate, have a plan that will give us emphasis to the game, either

through our kicking or carrying game. Make sure we stand up to the

attacks, working a lot around the god shield around the breakdowns,

the line that carries wide and has runners coming off. It is

maintaining our concentration, that will be the key. We are here to

perform, we are enjoying being in Japan. But we need to be tough on

ourselves and focus and try and execute. We need to be tough on

ourselves and focus for 80 minutes, we hear that kind of thing from Vern

Cotter all the time. Is he a hard task master? Yes, definitely. He has

high demand and expect excellence from the players. But that is what

you are in the sport for. Looking at the game today, I think the boys

have a game plan, and burn will be looking to execute that. The ball

will be key against Japan -- Vern Cotter will be looking to execute

that. This will be perfect for us. If we can handle the pressure we can

get some good rugby to what. One of the guys who usually excite us is

Stuart Hogg, you was the player of the tournament in the Six Nations,

and quite rightly. He was electric with the ball in hand. He was

confident in the last game. The guys chasing him has serious pace

himself. Stuart Hogg was just on fire. This was the game against

France at Murrayfield. He knew the defence was drifting and saw there

was a gap there, and he had the pace to get through. He was great to

watch. When you are full of confidence, you do things like this.

You can see Hogg comes into vision here, he knows he is behind him.

When you are full of confidence you do things like that. He is a hard

guy to stop. Like you say, he noticed the forwards and picked them

out, targeted these guys. He recognised the gaps in midfield. He

has the pace to be there. Quite impressive. When you were playing at

ten for Glasgow and Scotland, and you know you have a guy like their

Hyo Yoo Kin utilise an attack, it must be fantastic potential -- a guy

like Stuart Hogg there to utilise in attack. He is a great guy to have

outside your 15. He can chop and change. I think having that in the

background is great for that confidence. If Hogg gets on the

ball, he will create something, he is always a threat. The defence

can't drift off, they can't keep their eye of him. To play with that

is ideal for me because I know they will have to stay on him and I can

use different things. Having him at Glasgow, the confidence he has had

this year, he drags the whole team up with him. He got player of the

tournament at the Six Nations, to have that in your squad is amazing.

Hogg on this planet -- this fella here are the future. He was born in

1992, icon to believe that! Let's have a look at this. -- I can't

believe that. Rashida, Bowen coming through the

centre... And he has scored. Back inside, the lock forward with a

brilliant snap rise. Another try for the Japanese! Japan lead by 30

points to three. Great judge here for the Scots. First try of the

match for Scotland. Another brilliant try for the Japanese. A

famous day for Japanese rugby, winners by 28 points to 24.

Absolutely fantastic result for Japan birth. It is nice to hear

McLeod's voice there. -- for Japan, there. Nick Scrivener is a former

Edinburgh player, he played for Scotland as well. It is coming to

live here on BBC Two Scotland, Japan against Scotland. Vern Cotter's men

have to do something. He wants them to play well, while they play well?

Watch it right here in the company of John and Nick.

COMMENTATOR: Thank you, hello and welcome to the Toyota Stadium, one

of Japan's biggest car manufacturers, this area known for

its silk production, but when Richards came thanks to four-wheeled

trance but the name changed back in 1989. -- when riches came thanks to

four-wheeled trance bought the name changed. We reckon it is 28 degrees,

blue sky, not a full day he. Perhaps 15 or 20,000 of this 45,000

capacity. Nick, you did coach Edinburgh and Scotland. What do you

know of these Japanese players? Well, they have come here full of

expectation buoyed by obviously the World Cup victory, the Japanese ten

have been playing in the open championships, which they win every

year. But this is the first time they have been back in Japanese

soil. A lot of expectation. A few players out for the Japanese team

obviously, which gives them the opportunity to put some players on

their first baby step towards the World Cup. That is the Scottish

Justin room. Scotland look to hold the cards -- dressing room. Have a

look at some of the players. They have got their fingers taped up. You

can see Ruaridh Jackson at the back there, but is white paper, it is not

a bruised tape. They have examined it. Upfront, hooker Stuart McAnally

has a chance to go ahead of the injured Ross Ford. Nel either side

and the Gray brothers at the back. They should have the advantage at

the set pieces in the line-up. Competent back row, runners,

carriers, they can go to Barclay, Wilson and Hardie, making up a very

compact and aggressive trio. At the back, it is going to be a one-on-one

game, familiar faces. Greig Laidlaw with Ruaridh Jackson. Very fast

servers. It will do the likes of Hogg and Seymour as Scotland go

through the phases. This is the centre partnership, Matt Scott and

Taylor. Strong across the gain line. All eyes on Damien Hoyland, gets his

first dot on the left wing. A very quick trio in that back three.

And the bench, well, Vern Cotter suggested the bench will be crucial

in the last 20 minutes. You will see most of these players on the pitch.

Here is the stadium. Lots of interest. Huge television interest

in this. The Brave Blossoms, the missing seven of the starting 15

from that famous World Cup win over South Africa last year, and their

former coach Eddie Jones now in charge of the English. It is a tough

front row. They are heavier on average than the Scottish row. Ono

and Kotaki, both of them not huge. Ono is six foot two and he could

lose a stone in weight in sweat through the game. And their back row

of two, Mafi and Kin. We know what a problem Mafi can be, he has already

shown that against the Scots. Plenty of that skill here in Tamora, the

fly-half. He is on his second cap. Midfield, plenty of danger in

Bennetts and Tatekawa. He will be up against the Scottish pairing. Flying

machines in the back three. Paea and Sasakura just getting their second

caps. Matsushima at fullback. Like the Scottish bench, it will be a

bench well used. All will be used later on. Nick, it is going to be a

very, very tough game for these players to last. Absolutely. As we

saw on the graphics, they will benefit from the experience of the

Scottish bench, they will be part of this match. When they played for

that trophy, which we discovered is one of the sponsors, that is them

either side. It is a local energy drink. They will be playing for that

these of silverware. Some of the players are strapped up with this

special strapping. There is going to be the Scottish amp first, followed

by one of shortest and oldest and bums in the world as the players

line-up. -- shortest and oldest and bums in the world. -- and firms.

We will bring you all the action. Just a word from Finn Russell, we

all miss you not being at work, Finn, we miss you, get back into the

action. Ladies and gentlemen, at this

moment, please rise for the national anthems of both teams. First, the

National anthem of Scotland. # And autumn leaves lie thick

and still APPLAUSE

Well, a smattering of expats in the stadium from as far afield as Abu

Dhabi, New Zealand, and all parts. This is one of the oldest and

shortest anthems in the world. # Kimigayo wa

Chiyo ni yachiyo ni # Sazare-ishi no

Iwao to narite APPLAUSE

The words remained unchanged for a thousand generations. An ancient

language impenetrable to many young Japanese, the lyrics from a poem

written in 794 to 1185. Just about to get things under way. The

Japanese are left to warm up. The Scots are in a huddle. And we have

seen lots of Scottish fans here. They have travelled to the if the

Scottish team can continue its improvement from the Six Nations.

Japan with their backs to the wall somewhat. Much expected, Nick, from

the fan base that is growing. Absolutely. The World Cup inspired

millions. With success comes expectation. This young team faces

quite a challenge. OK, we will bring you every pass, every kick, Stuart

Hogg will be delighted with this surface. There is the Brave

Blossoms' coach. They are waiting for Jamie Johnson, another All Black

to comment. There is Scottish coach Vern Cotter, he is talking about

process and systems and the need for a professional job on an away pitch.

And the referee will make up the last of these three New Zealanders

in charge today, he is Ben O'Keeffe. He is the man in the middle. He is

the man with the whistle, there he is, Ben O'Keeffe, he is in charge.

Japan playing left to right. Hold onto your seats. This is a very

important game in the transition of this Scottish team. Scotland have

played Japan ten times, five uncapped games. Japan get this game

underway, deep into Scottish territory.

Laidlaw clears. First line-out will be to the Japanese. There is Greig

Laidlaw with that taped to his right hand.

And Japan on the attack. All goes right around the corner, they play

between the 15s, one past game. Japan keeping the ball, the

scrum-half heading left, tackled by Scott. Through the midfield, Tamura.

The Scots need to get this ball back. Skipped a tackle.

You can hear the shouts, the instructions, and each chip through.

Sasakura watches the ball going to touch case by Seymour.

Like a lot of international grounds, there is no match clock here. Good

start from the Japanese. Yes, they have some targets on the corner.

They are moving around the corner to get to the far 15.

That is Dickens and down injured, it looks to be a hamstring injury. --

Dickinson down injured. There is going to be a fair bit of sweating

today. This could be worrying, this could be a change straightaway. What

Scotland need to do is get the ball and prevent the Japanese from

putting together those kind of attacks. Yes, the Japanese have kept

the ball for long periods of time. Scotland won't be looking to

overcommit at the ruck early. Just waiting for the Japanese to go and

pick one out. The likes of Hardie have got to get over the ball.

McAnally to get over the ball. -- McAnally. He is going to test that

led ginger Lee and play on. -- gingerly. The first Test for him, he

was practising in a park when a woman told him to stop. This has

become key to Scotland. Wilson, aggressively over the gain

line. Quick possession. Long kick. Japan have pay in that backfield. --

have Paea. Kick from Matsushima, but what we

are watching, of the picture, is Dickens and going off. You can see

him in the top right-hand corner. Dickinson is not happy. James

Robbins and ran onto the pitch, the Scottish team doctor. -- James

Robbins. On comes Rory Sutherland for just his second cap.

APPLAUSE This is an issue, isn't it. They

would have been wanting these players to come on at the end of the

game. Alasdair Dickinson was fundamental to the Scottish

Drumadoon, and now there is a change. -- Scottish scrummaging. He

was very experienced in the front row, absolutely essential.

Ricci -- Richie Gray goes through that first tackle. Played onto the

advantage, Laidlaw. The referee says it is a penalty to the Scots. Good

position. We saw all that we could from the mistake from Matsushima

kicking out. Perfect start, if they knock this Overbay get three points

on the board, acquired the crowd down a bit and get onto the game.

It has been an interesting start to this game, the Japanese with some

early possession, testing the Scots around the rocks. Already that may

abdominal, which is suggested from Scotland manifesting itself in an

early drive. -- add dominance. Greig Laidlaw looking to get the first

three points on the board here into Toyota city.

Laidlaw, high and straight between the posts. Scotland then, as Nick

says, away from home in the heat with the bench looking on, too. And

three points to the good. Japanese going with the forwards on

the right, traditional setup. The Scottish team though is split in

four pods of two across the floor. Taken by tomorrow. Richie Gray

catches. -- Tamura. Laidlaw polices. Hits that trio forwards. Low tackle,

no arms. This is Inagaki, just comes in with

his left shoulder. The Japanese are very like tackling team, but they

try to get them on the ground, get that contact. We have seen quite

often defending with 14 men on their feet.

Stuart McInally nods his approval. If you think back, he has

transferred from back row, he was back row when you were at Edinburgh,

had to go to Currie to get his hooking game up to scratch. Good

attacking set piece. Laidlaw round the corner.

The Japanese are up quickly in defence. The Scots still not really

approaching begin line. A beautiful pass to Hoyland. Laidlaw in every

ruck. And a great ball to Wilson who goes through the gap. Laidlaw comes

left. And a little chip. It will be touched down. The Japanese just

survive that attack. Their first set of phase play for Scotland going

both sides of the rough dash-macro. -- rack.

In Murrayfield, they kick through quite a lot trying to get players

through the try line. Stuart Hogg is on fire.

Stuart Hogg skips past four tacklers. Playing well. Laidlaw

looks up. The Scots are producing plenty of

ball. Caught high and taken early. Players are in to help him. A

turnover penalty and quickly taken by the Japanese.

Man-macro is through and it could be the first try of the game but a

desperate tackle from A try! That is an incredible piece

of attack. Listen to the crowd! That is a brilliant piece of attack. They

have to play surprise rugby. Great defending. Great therefrom Mafi.

Great chasing and then it's a catch and pass exercise.

If ever there was a warning for Scotland, this is it tonight. That

was a delicate pass from Tamura. That may sound alarm bells for

Scotland. The conversion is good. We have a game on our hands! It is

Japan seven, Scotland three. That shows you what the Japanese can

do. That is how they have to play, attack from turnover ball. Pick the

tempo of the game up. That is straight out. And it will be a scrum

or line-out to the Japanese. They might take the scrum. A poor mistake

of the kick-off. Japanese players had possession

easily. It hangs the momentum of the game over to them. -- it hands.

The first telling scrum of the game. The big man this side, Hatakeyama

plays for the Newcastle Falklands. He has played five games for them.

-- Newcastle Falklands. I would think that if Vern Cotter

had an ideal start to the day or the game, that wasn't it. Not the start

you want to make away from home like -- against a team like the Japanese.

That will have given the Japanese confidence.

He has been penalised and again they ran it.

The Japanese are trying to build momentum. The man who scored the try

has popped out of the back. We talked yesterday and we talked

about the problem we thought the Japanese would have against the

likes of Barclay and Wilson. And Hardie, right over the ball. The

Japanese are quick into the breakdown. They sealed off the

supporting player. A good field position here. A line-out on the 22

for Scotland. The throw is too long. The Japanese

have possession again and two big mistakes. A bad kick off and abide

line-out. Hogg tries to get it before it bags is and manages.

-- before it lands. A little off-load there. Matt Scott runs.

Just on the 22 and a quick flick back. Matt Scott was nearly in

there. That's the benefit of a big running centre forward.

He beats the player on the outside. But that was a good cover tackle.

Scotland are playing those good running forwards and a bit wider in

midfield so the Japanese might want to create a one-on-one tackling

situation. It looks like another hamstring.

The Japanese are trying to get away from the left-hand corner which is

so hard to get out of in terms of X it strategy and they're trying to

get the ball to the right to the open field. Unfortunately, he had to

pass a big player. Greig Laidlaw has the chance to

settle some nerves. Scotland have only been here twice

but have got penalties both times so that's encouraging for Scotland.

Laidlaw obliges and Scotland are keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

Matsushima looks to be leaving the pitch.

A big blow for Japan. One of the World Cup heroes playing on the left

wing in the World Cup and he was one of the genuine game breakers.

Good tackling by the Scots. They've turned it over. There is a bit of a

dustup with what looks like Brian Wilson. -- Ryan Wilson.

A bit of push and shove them. A bit of a wrestle on the ground.

He's one of the real threats from Japan. In the World Cup, he had a

big bearing in the first half. He went off early in the second half

and the game started changing. A good Scottish scrummage. They just

want to move this pack back. We've had a look at this pitch and

we think it's something like Murrayfield. It might be partly

artificial. It's Louis -- used for a lot of football games. Yes, you

never see it cut up at all. It must be some sort of composite,

artificial grass. There is Rory Sutherland on a bit earlier than he

thought he might have been. His opposite loosehead is Inagaki. The

Scots are looking for an early advantage. They've got the penalty.

A penalty to the Scots. As you say, they've only been in the Japanese

half a few times, but every time they've been there they've got

points. It's important to keep the scoreboard ticking over. On that

occasion, WP Nel is such a great scrummager. He got the much taller

Inagaki down to the floor. The Japan population is twice that

of the UK. In Tokyo alone, 58 million people live in the

metropolitan area. Laidlaw with pinpoint accuracy and you can hear

the crowd groaning because they saw their team score a try and now

Scotland... That will be pleasing Vern Cotter.

For Scottish forwards arranged in midfield -- four. Wilson has been

involved a lot already. The long kick of Hogg's to get themselves out

of danger. And this is Mifiposeti Paea who came on a scholarship to

Japan. Buckley looks up and pleads

innocently. Again, Japan are trying to cross the gain line. -- Berkeley.

That's the way they play. Hogg is bundled back. Rosen tries to

seal it off and they might be in trouble. Laidlaw back inside.

The Scots are not having it there own way this evening by any manner

of means. Laidlaw calls for players to come around. Mackin Alley with

the block. Stuart McInally. After a kick-off, Scotland play along and

Japan prod away. Eventually there is a mistake and Scotland get

possession just inside the half. There's another injury and this will

be alarming. If he has a hamstring, he may be unlikely to play. Stuart

McInally, who's had time out with a neck injury, looks to be having

treatment on a neck. This is Hendrik Tui, who's played

Super Rugby for the Reds. It just trapped in front of him. He had a

little peep just before. His hands outstretched in front of him. These

mistakes will cost Japan. Giving away penalties for Laidlaw to knock

over. Can Scotland get their continuity

game up and running? Jackson with his two centres lined up outside

him. Seymour looking invitingly at the on

the right-hand side. Again, the Scots try to get momentum and the

referee gives them a penalty. WP Nel is shorter and he's trying to

get Inagaki down, isn't he? Inagaki is a big man. And WP Nel is such a

great scrummager. The pressure comes on, the pressure comes on and he

just hinges Inagaki straight down. It gives Scotland the 22 line-out.

You have to say Scotland are getting more into this match. Slowly but

surely wrestling the momentum back. They've set up all and Scotland just

the 22. -- setup the maul. Jonny Gray looking for the off-load.

Thinking of coming left again and Jackson. Hogg just into that world

of red and white. Fair play to the Japanese. They were waiting. Stuart

Hogg on his feet when he was tackled. They no one of the... Talk

us through this. A good tackle. Came around the side from Holland and

allowed an opportunity there for Mafi who's very good over the ball.

They are big men and hard to shift so the Scots will need to be

accurate, particularly in the wider channels.

Shota Horie, the TriStar and captain. That was well read by

Wilson but it went forward. Knock-on and playing advantage.

The scrum-half looks up and has three bodies to pass two. He picked

the middleman. Play on, says the rest. -- the referee.

Quick possession. WP Nel/ is in and turn over to the Japanese. They are

on the counter. All that promise turns to naught. Hoyland has lost

his footing and passes it quite widely to Stuart Hogg who brings

sensors -- sensibility to proceedings. You can hear the crowd.

A delicate kick and this is some game we have now. John Barclay

claims that was not done and Japan have the ball. -- that was knocked

on. It is a very evenly balanced match

on this sweaty night in Toyota city. Richie Gray tries to get the ball.

126 kilograms of Toulouse bound rugby ability.

Stuart Hogg was merely through. -- nearly through.

Hardie there just blocking Hendrik tree there. The Japanese have to be

careful. Stuart Hogg had four players outside are not many

Japanese players in front of him. One of the best on field players in

the world with very quick footwork. Unfortunately, Hardie did too much

there to block. A really important game this on so many levels. Lots of

games happening today. Japan will host the World Cup and Scotland and

Japan are close in the world rankings. It is key Scotland keep a

position above them in the world rankings. This is the first real

test they've had since the Six Nations. Japan need to blood some

new players. The opportunity that has presented themselves in this

game with seven World Cup players out gives an opportunity for young

players. Yu Tamura quoted in the papers as

saying he is one of the new great players. Just inside Scotland's half

here. A hesitant run. That is a cracking kick. The Japanese go back

into the lead. Their coach looked on happily, and

we have a game. Absolutely. The Scot is possession in the 22 and the

turnover, they need to keep hold of the ball and build some pressure.

Ryan Wilson is having a good game. WP Nel was slightly isolated and

that was great play by the lightest player on the pitch, Kin. He brings

him to ground, releases him and on the ball. Great play. They've been

very quick on the ball all night. What they do well is bead into the

breakdown on attack and if anyone gets isolated on carrying in

defence, they're very quick -- speed.

If they get there quickly, they will survive if it's not accurate.

Scotland are ninth in the world rankings. Six, Wales, tent RPG and

11th are Japan. -- ten is the GE. -- Fiji. Giving the pass away there.

Look at the Japanese defence. They are up really quickly. Yes, that was

a hand on the ball and all that good effort by the Japanese goes to

waste. They are a low tackling team. Their line speed is quite good. In

this case, Mafi made the tackle. He couldn't resist.

The mark of the coaching reign is a game plan that has been simple. Why

do midfield hits. But they've not managed to do that today, have they?

They've tried to get there. They get to three or four phases and then

they make a mistake. They tried to sneak that around the

front. John Barclay is called in to support. Sutherland with Hardie. And

Wilson does load drives. It might be a penalty. Matt Scott knocked it on

and it was a late pass from Laidlaw. Japan are on the counter and a long

kick down to Stuart Hogg. He was just inside his 22 and thinks of

kicking high into the night sky. A great piece of dancing feet there.

Bennetts. And a chip through for Paea. The Japanese are full of quick

players. The whole thing with Eddie Jones was everything is played

quickly and tonight that's what they're trying to do. Quick

movement. I wouldn't want to get into an arm wrestle with Scotland.

They want to get in and out quickly. Scotland has been giving them

turnover opportunities which feeds the Japanese machine. He talks about

the Japanese machine and even Ben Carter does. -- Vern Cotter. Clever

play from the Japanese. There's a penalty now.

An offside position passed the ball. The reason I want to talk to you, a

number of things against gram... It didn't look too straight. Inagaki

came round the back started in an offside position when the ball was

brought down so that is why he has been penalised.

Jackson with the perfect kick. It gives the pack a chance to do some

damage. Many players have been quiet when it comes to carrying the ball.

The line-outs haven't been a successful platform yet but will

this change the course of the game. Gray at the front, McKinlay out the

back. -- Stuart McInally. It is a penalty. The crowd like it. Oh,

there is going to be a card. Hendrik Tui. A lot of teams do that, they

will try to swivel. He is judged to have come in from the side just

after his team-mate had been warned. Look at this, they are going for

another line-up. The patience of the referee tested here. A player can

swing around and go in an offside position. On that occasion to recap

tying on. Scotland with the same setup -- he kept hanging on. That is

a big line-out, a couple of centres that. They are driving, Scotland.

Only three backs in the rear field. Hoyland is in there.

Lowell Goddard angle, ferocious double needs defending. Players spin

out. He has got Sutherland a cheer from the Japanese crowd. It

is going to be a penalty to Scotland.

That is a number of penalties now down in the 22. It has gifted

Scotland possession. Tui already off the field at half-time, four minutes

to go. Scotland would love to get... Sorry to interrupt. I wonder how

good Hoyland is on the left, Laidlaw, Hoyland and Matt Scott in

the line-out. Japan get this drive on. Scotland over the ball. Look at

that, they are pulling them up the pitch, good defence. Taylor is in

there now, too. Scotland trying to get forward movement on this ball.

That is a well defended ball, you have to say. Wilson on his own, he

is going to stay up. It is Japan on the ball, looking forward to Scott,

gives it to Hoyland. Quick feet. Trying to drag it to the touchline.

Desperate attacking from the Scots. Barclay writes the first tackle,

does well. Laidlaw is reaming for his place to come with him. --

Laidlaw screaming. Grade, one pass inside the

opposition. Laidlaw looks up. Gray had to take that standing still, he

is on his own. Penalty coming Scotland's way. Jackson gives it a

Hogg. That will be a penalty try. There was already a penalty being

given -- gives it to Hogg. Pretty clear, another card. He was

the last man, it was a deliberate knock down on the number 23, he was

never going to be able to get the ball. It is a yellow card, OK? 23.

He came on the Matsushima, he gets the yellow card. The try would not

have been scored, save the referee. He was the last defender and he

could never get the ball. It is a penalty try. I think it was the

right decision. The value of Stuart Hogg and his footwork, he's get to

the right-hand side. -- he skipped to the right-hand side. He had no

option to comment and try and block it. Unfortunately for him, as with

the number of penalties in the Japanese defending 22, the referee

has given a try. The clock says two minutes left in this first half.

They are playing against 13 men. Well, that was the two man on the

bench now, Tui and Matsumura. Matsumura is the university student,

one of the rising stars of Japanese rugby, he is at university. He was

the captain of the University side who won the championship, big things

in store for him. Japan kick-off. Wilson has had a good game, always

been available to carry, been aggressive in the tackling. Been

tagging his opposite man, Mafi. Oh, Mafi with a great, that could

have been a high tackle by Sutherland, he could come back for

that one. Countered by the Scots. Barclay is in there, but it is going

to be a penalty for a high tackle. Mafi off-loading down the sideline.

A worrying sign for the Japanese, it looks like a right ankle injury. It

looks like he has twisted his ankle as he has tackled. This is the

tackle, it is on the captain, Shota Horie. He got his foot stuck in the

turf, and his body rolled over the top of it. They don't want to lose

him on top of the experience they have lost already, turn.

There is a lot of experience in this Japanese team, it is actually not on

the pitch! Tamblyn, who wants the spot, is about to kick this penalty

to bring his side back to within a point.

That looks to be a good kick. Just shaves the left-hand side of that

post. That is the half-time whistle. It will be a disappointed Scottish

dressing room. They may lead by 16-10, but it has taken a penalty

try and Greig Laidlaw's kicks. Half-time score, 10-16 to Scotland.

STUDIO: Scotland knew they would be in for a tough task this morning

over in Japan. It certainly turned out that way. It was the home side,

the Cherry blossoms, who got it over the line first with a try by Shota

Horie. Slightly questionable bear. Towards the end of the half, a

penalty try. Interesting indeed that first 40

minutes of rugby. He didn't go to plan. We were expecting Scotland to

go ahead, they did buy a penalty by Laidlaw. It was interesting given

that try earlier on for Japan. They use the initiative of that try,

Japan. It was quite tough. The stand-off just flattened up and

created that gap for them to score. Japan have had a few quick caps and

a couple of quick line-ups. They have had the ball perfect. That is

how Japan play. It is tough to defend against that. They are

looking to get people forward, a quick ball. Ryan Olsen has put in a

few good tackles. We said before the match that it was important for

Scotland to get off to a good start. They got three points ahead, but

then gave away the try. The way they defended it wasn't brilliant,

interesting but disappointing. Giving them the benefit of the

doubt, a number of these players haven't played rugby for a number of

weeks. Duncan Taylor and Saracens have been playing up to the last few

weeks. Glasgow played on the 21st of May. But Greig Laidlaw, he hasn't

played since the 7th of May, that is long time without any rugby to step

into an international arena, it was a bit rusty in the first half. I

think they will be happy, 16-10 up. These games are always going to get

better. We are notoriously slow starters, whether it be the Six

Nations or tests. We seem to take a while to get back on that level of

intensity. We have just seen that in the first 40 minutes. I expect the

second 40 to be better. Let's talk about the first try on the try for

Japan as well. It was a turnover as well, difficult to watch. It'll

suddenly fell apart. The bit before this was Scotland's best attacking

play of the first half. It was the play they brought in to it. Mafi is

a class player coming he comes here to Tatekawa who gets very close, you

can see the defences nowhere. It was easy to move in a stand-off, the

captain had an easy try. It was an injection of pace. Scotland have

been on the front foot, attacking and looking good. But suddenly the

turnover, they took it very quickly, and bang, the pace that everybody

had. It was a very well executed try. It was against the run of play

at the time, but they took it very, very well. Very smart play. They are

quick off Mafi. The stand-off flattens up really well. They create

the space. There is a gap, they have both got to come back, if you don't,

he is going to go through. They catch the ball, go flat, but

attacking defence. They have space to going easily. They reacted well

to it, they didn't panic because it was early on. For forwards I thought

really started to get into the game well. They got the scoreboard

ticking over. To see that try, I like the way they reacted to it. You

know, it was the first time they haven't got the ball. When you

consider the try with their first attack, they can be quite

despondent. I like the way they reacted to it. Towards the end of

the half there, Scotland got a penalty try. Good, strong decision

for the referee. Try and penalty card. There was good continuity, a

good forward carries. A few phases before the try they happen kicks,

they have the advantage. There was space is wide again. They gave Hogg

the ball and a bit of space, you know how dangerous he is when he has

got space. He could have either gone himself or given a pass and more

scores. A penalty try accord... It is the right decision. -- a penalty

try and the yellow card. Did it prevent us try being scored? He had

no attempt to catch the ball. It was a guaranteed try, the right call.

They were down to 13 men on the start of the second half, that was

great play. They went in hard to start with when they were down to

14. They drew the defence in and put it wide. When you have got players

like Seymour and Hogg, they have space to attack, they have to make

the decisions they does did. For the first six or seven minutes of the

first half, the two-man advantage is something you should take advantage

of. It is important to start the second half strongly in any game. As

Andy said, it is hugely important. Having 13 men was a big difference.

For the rest of the game, being down to 13 men, it will probably last

quarter of the game. Scotland have been getting back out and starting

strongly. Holding the ball and keeping the ball, not just tiring

them out but waiting for the space to open up, they are dangerous

runners and dangerous attack. If we keep hold of the ball with 13 men,

space will open up and we will get mismatches, I imagine the boys will

capitalise on that. I hope so. That might talk about the attacking

options on how Scotland managed to put it together? This was early on,

going through phases. I thought Duncan Taylor, making his first art

for Scotland, he has done OK. This is what Scotland have done pretty

well through. Going through the hands, good off-load from Barclay,

who has got good hands. There was a clear structure that Scotland were

playing too. The line space, they had the attacking games, that takes

away the length that they have got. They keep building it and keep going

from there. The structure we have got, we have got the game plan.

Duncan Taylor is good again, taking away the line speed. That small tip

slows him down a bit, let's get the gain line in and get a quick ball.

The kick at the end went too long for Matt Scott. It was good in the

end. I think the coaches in the changing room will be sitting there

thinking, they have got the penalty try, there was a lot of good stuff

in the first half. It wasn't as strong as it possibly could be,

maybe the angle lines on the support lines weren't quite there because

they have not played together for a while. I think we will see a better

performance in the second half. What did you think about his first half

performance? It is his deb you, he is a strong guy, diminutive but a

great runner. He hasn't seen much of the ball in this first half. Not

seen much ball, but when he has had it, he has made a couple of good

tackles and carries in defence. In the second half he can make it

opened open up a bit. He has got the speed and the feet work around him

to cut things open. We have seen him a few times for Edinburgh, and he

has got that dynamic pace, a great step on him. The fact that Japan

ended up with 13 men in the second half, lovely to see him having a wee

go. I'm delighted they made the call and Vern Cotter went with him. If

they choose to go with someone with 140 caps or whatever it is, it is

good to see them do this in this environment. So far he has not had a

lot to do, but what he did in that one time when he got run out in the

defence, other than that he has been fine. This half it will open up for

him hopefully. He has got some physique. Unbelievable. What do you

make of the Debbie? It must be hard going, but does it take the pressure

of every so slightly that is is not against England or France when you

are under pressure, it is a slightly easier environment, if that is fair

to say? I wouldn't say it is easier. I imagine it will be a tough

environment over there, the conditions are tough. I think he has

got enough rugby and enough sevens, he deserves it. He has actually had

a decent first half. I think under pressure, he will be fine with that.

Is he confident? He's a funny guy, having a laugh that, he is pretty

relaxed. He put in the World Cup warm up, he has had a Test before.

For the first time starting, hopefully he is just enjoying the

experience, to be honest. That is what it is all about. I think he

will take a lot of confidence. Stuart Hogg, we have got more guys

who have massive experience. Duncan Taylor has been so good for

Saracens. When you are making your first start you will look around you

to have these guys were so confident and you can take that from them. You

will get that today. Set piece very important. Stuart McInally starting

today for Scotland, a guy who has been there or thereabouts for a

while. What do you think about the set pieces, how important they were

and how they developed through the first half? Generally it has been

good. This was the only mistake in the first half, just over a shot

back to the back of the legs there. Again, I like the way that he has

reacted to it. I thought the forwards as the game went on, as the

half went on, they just sort of got more and more influence, more more

dominant in the line-out. They forced the yellow card through the

number of penalties that Japan having to concede for them to stop

the line-out drive. The scrum looks solid, they have had a couple of

penalties and free kicks from there. I would expect that to increase in

the second half, and I think they will look to have that platform then

to build their game from that. It is encouraging that the scrum is

looking solid. Dickinson went off early, he was integral to the scrum.

The scrum has been great. The replacement came on and played

really well. When Japan were down to Mad Men, if they have got a good set

piece and a good scrum, -- down two men. The set piece is perfect for us

Baxter have a go and express ourselves. -- us back is. He has not

had a lot of gametime for Scotland. We know what Dickinson can do, the

same with Stuart McInally. McInally is a really good player, he has made

the conversion really well, a fantastic rugby player with a good

brain. If he can get the scrummage and the line-out, which it looks

like he has done, he has got everything, he is the real deal in

that situation. This Tour is all about the strength and depth. It is

good to see Ruaridh Jackson getting run at hand he needs competition. He

is going to have a fantastic international career for years, but

he need some competition. Look at the centres, you know, Alex Dunbar

and Mark Bennetts are not there. We have still got Matt Taylor, sorry,

Matt Scott, there are five top quality centres and that is what you

need to really be competitive. We have got to develop the strength,

and tours like this, Hoyland and Sullivan getting gametime, that is

good for the future. What do Scotland have to-do in the second

half, they are ahead by six points? I think to keep hold of the ball, in

the first half there were a couple of times they could have been an

over the top, the 15 seemed like he was always behind. They could be an

fighter the top. But when they have the ball in hand they looked

dangerous, keep the ball in hand, keep going forward, build momentum

from the first half. Keep the scoreboard ticking. Keep it on the

front football. Once you get a couple of good hit ups it could be

on for that, especially when they are down to 13 men. Do you agree

with that, Andy? Absolutely. We won 5-10 in the World Cup, that was more

than we were expecting that they bearing in mind what Japan happened

in South Africa. I think any win for Scotland today will be good, because

it will build on all the rugby that they have done so far. Six points at

half-time gives them a good platform. Two extra man for the

first eight minutes of the second half is something they should try

and exploit. Other than that just keep playing. It is important to

win, but it is a two match series and I think we will see them getting

better and better. I expect us to win the game, but Japan will throw a

lot in the second half, that the defence will be strong. I don't

imagine they will make a change. The dressing room looks pretty

comfortable just now. In and Japan. -- for Scotland and Japan. The

Scottish boys will be comfortable. Obviously this is going to be a test

for Vern Cotter, he has do keep in mind begin next week. Do you think

changes will be made? Murray low will come on, as he always does.

That is just the way that it happens now. In the backline you have got

three guys who will make a difference. If things need to be

changed, those three guys can make those changes. We will lose this --

we will use the squad, Dudley, no doubt about that. Advantaged in

Scotland. Let's hand you back to the commentators.

COMMENTATOR: It is advantage Scotland, but I don't think it is

going quite to plan. This is the penalty try. Greig Laidlaw, that man

Wilson played well. Interesting now to see how the Scots attack, given

that there are two men from the Japanese team, Tui and Matsumura on

the bench in the sin-bin. Scotland are playing left to right. Jackson's

slightly shorter kick, Seymour going for this one, beautifully taken by

Seymour. McInally with the Littleton upon. -- the little tip on. Just

making sure he gives away the penalty. Jackson with the kick

through. Hoyland! Just had to stay on his feet. Hoyland took that one.

Gray is over there, too. Scotland over the line, being held out. The

referee is going to keep Laidlaw's number in a 5-metre scrum. Fantastic

start, kick-off to the right-hand side. Too much distance between the

prop and the winger for Japan. Good gamesmanship from Nel. Go on, say

what you think, say what you think! To trap the player at the back of

the ruck and not allow him to roll away, that gave them the advantage

and made the decision for Jackson to give the cross a bit easier, a

fantastic kick, unlucky not to score. The Japanese are short on

wing forward and a full-back. They are 13 men strong, if that is the

right word. Now straight back. Look at the strength in the Scottish

backs, firing forward. The referee says play on. Laidlaw just two or

three feet away. McInally pounding in. Barclay is there. He looks down

and popped the ball up to Jonny Gray. Jonny Gray held up by Mafi.

The ball is back, now goes left. Nel has scored. He can't scrummage, but

he has that amazing ability to just go through players, and he now sped

some Scottish blushes with an amazing try. Top tackle on Gray. Nel

gets taken. Barclay and Gray, two big men on the back of him. They

carry him over the line. They are having some game. Great set piece

there. Get himself a try. Very, very happy to get across the paint. WP

Nel scoring the try. We often wonder how much he prop would be worth if

he was worth his weight in gold. The prop is the most important player in

the team. He is the first player to pick, and the second player picked

as a reserve tight head prop. Nel putting in a Sterling performance

for Scotland. A couple of penalties in the first half there, working

over Inagaki, the loosehead prop, bringing him to the ground. Oh, that

is a kick and a half from Greig Laidlaw, he has had a good, tidy

game. Let's recap on what has happened this evening. Stuttering

start from Scotland. Nel there in the heart of much that has been good

and profitable. A drive from Japan, -- a try from Japan. Tui is coming

back into the pit. The big wing forward, who fairly tackles. -- onto

the pitch. He has had a good run, he is very physical as well. A very

good tackle. As we mentioned, good over the ball in defence. I reckon

if Cotter had been given 23 - ten as a scoreline at the start of the

second half, he would have been happy. Wilson crashes up. Laidlaw

has McInally if he wants him. He gives it to Hardie. Hardie is half

brought down. Laidlaw looks up, he has got Jackson away to his left,

Hogg his right. Picks out Hogg. Cobb has been the man picked to clear. --

Hogg. Mafi feels the force of some

Scottish tackling. Turned over. Seymour kicks through, two Scots

chasing down the one Japanese player, the hooker tries to stay in,

they drag him into touch. This will be a line-out of the Scots on the

five metre line. Talk about the importance of clearing the lines.

Hogg giving a good chase. Mafi running in midfield, great tackle

again from Nel. Forced the turnover. Really good vision to see space in

the back field there. Kayla just dribbling get along the ground,

forcing the Japanese did they get out. -- dribbling it.

We talk about momentum. The momentum is with Scotland. McInally and

Richie Gray. Somebody forgot the move! Wilson didn't look too happy.

I think McInally is supposed to stay in there, he comes round, Wilson

looks for him. It would have been a good option if McInally Hans Baden,

it would have been up against the back. That defensive channel. --

hadn't stayed in. They were practising a few of these

shorter line-outs in training, Japan, on their own. The five metre

line, a short line-out. Taken quickly by the Japanese. Again,

everyone is out running. Mafi with a delicate level touch of Mike the

ground. Ono is only six foot two. But he

runs around. Japan are getting more into this

match. Hendrik Tui just got beyond that

first tackler. This is what they do. They try and get across gain line

with one or two passes. It's unfortunate. That's the Japanese

style. Rod away until they get over the gain line and then they will

flatten up. As you see, Mafi flattens. Unfortunately, no one out

there. It looks as though the Japanese are

about to be back to 15 men. Here he is. The spell when the Japanese were

down to 13 was profitable. Another line-out to Scotland and it looks

like they're enjoying it more. They've had 62% possession in the

first half. Fraser Brown is on for McInally. He is off having his

hands... One of the new errors of hookers finds Gray. -- new errors.

Stuart Hogg. Oh! He just dropped the ball. The brilliant piece of play. A

wide to Jackson and Stuart Hogg was through. He did well, but he will be

picking himself. Great play from Scotland. We can see the replay.

Eyes off the ball. A Japanese hand comes in, but really good play there

in midfield. Going quickly and Seymour showed himself. Jackson

crossed to Hogg and nice straight running.

He probably wasn't expecting to get on the field so early but have --

you have to take that chance when it presents itself. He's done well for

his side. Good pressure from Scotland. They

chopped Sasakura down quite quickly and pressure from Tamara to clear

his lines. It brings into play the Scottish maul. -- Camorra. It has

been a grain -- gamer fascination because the Scots have the upper

hand. The Japanese want to play a quicker game. A substitute is about

to come on and that was taken by Jonny Gray. Good forward momentum.

Using Wilson as a battering ram and that helps to get Mafi out of the

game. They are trying to hold a map and he goes to ground. Laidlaw looks

up to see Gray. Pick and go. Richie Gray. He looks up and sees Brown.

Set them all up. The two Gray boys. And that has been called

obstruction. Scotland seem to lose their way a bit. They were unsure

whether to keep going, come back but in the end they made a decision to

stand up. I'd like to see them get a bit of rhythm. After about three or

four phases they tend to lose their shape a bit.

They had turnovers in the first half and an obstruction there. More

Hero-macro is coming off the field as he has been struggling.

The last time Scotland paid just Mac play Japan in Japan was in 1989 and

Japan one. Back in the days when these games

were non-full capped gains. How times change. -- games.

Scotland are comfortable without being devastating. They looked

comfortable when they are flying the ball through and up through

midfield, Taylor and Matt Scott. It's when they get to the fifth

phase that they lose their way and the penalty goes against the flow of

the game. This time WP Nel penalised for going down.

It's impossible to tell. Yes, but well done. Inagaki managed to

convince the referee that it was his fault. It has been a stop and start

again. Some phases of exciting rugby but Scotland have not been in their

patent and Japan haven't let them settle. Both teams are guilty of

giving away possession and turning over the ball after a few phases.

The Scottish dice down on the 22 -- guys, turnover and lose possession.

Japan will be proud on their home page. Song-macro.

The Japanese are playing a one pass simple game. And it is 17 blue.

Sutherland has been pinged, as they would say.

The Japanese were quite narrow on attack. Just jumping the gun there.

And unnecessary penalty. They need to have patience in defence and with

the ball, Scotland. The Scots have sometimes played against 13 men and

now it is 15. Tamara is the goalkicker. A soccer player in his

youth. No rugby until he went to university. -- Yu Tamura. It is a

warm, breezy, humid evening. And the soccer skills come to the fore as he

edges his team to within ten points. Discipline will be at a premium.

Laidlaw is kicking really well. The deficit is back to ten points.

You might have seen there with Mark Hamnett, the uncompromising figure

next to him. And there is a substitution. It looks like Maitland

is on for Hoyland. We are way up in the stand. Third floor and miles

above the pitch. Hoyland is. His second cap. -- Hoyland is off.

And up and under kick from defence and Jackson is under it. They try

and hold him up and the Scots fight to get to ground and manage.

Boy-macro once it and has got it. He tries to nudge between two players.

Laidlaw calling his team-mates for a little up and under. Wilson has been

everywhere tonight. The Scots are just uttering a bit. We have seen

what Seymour can do and he just gives it back to Taylor who was

smashed to ground. Sutherland throws the dummy in front of the posts. The

Scots are in the kind of shape we expect. Scott tries to use his

power. A counter rack by the Japanese and

it's another counterattack and this is when they are their most

dangerous. Japan in possession and desperate to win this match. A long

kick. Oh! I quit 20 of gas and it opens up in front of him. To see

more. This is far better. Taylor to Hardie and he just didn't use the

touchline. A good piece of play and a quick line-out from Taylor who is

two metres away. Have the Japanese got this one back? It looks like

Gray was too slow to get it and that was good rugby at last! Fantastic

from Hogg and it shows why he's one of the most runners in the world.

Let's watch this. It was a quick line-out. We never

saw that there but good play from the Scots. Good link play. They want

to make this possession on the 22 camps. Ten points up. Any further

into the second half and it starts to get out of reach for the

Japanese. The Scots are just starting to enjoy

this. To Scots away in the left wing and three in midfield. -- two. Look

at Berkeley, scrumming as well. Scotland are trying to make a

statement to the referee. Wilson pulled the ball back. It's edging on

and edging on. Laidlaw looks up and a quick board to Scott. He does the

extra role. Hardie must be pretty close. The Scots now are rampant.

Taken by Gray to his brother. Sutherland is in there as well. More

pick and gos. Two metres out and Jonny Gray gets hammered in the

tackle. Laidlaw with the longer ball. Stuart Hogg just tries to go

between those two players. A very low wrapped. And John Barclay comes.

Fraser Brown is there. Laidlaw is shouting at the referee. Sutherland

took a big hit. We are all the way back to this side of the pitch.

Some pretty direct play there from Scotland. Pick and go from Scotland.

It was finally released out to Hogg who try to skip to the outside but

good defence in the wide channels to diffuse that pressure. Come back and

another penalty. Greig Laidlaw is motioning for the kicking tee.

Laidlaw has had a good game tonight. Always efficient. He was a stand-off

when you are at Edinburgh. He's always had good game management. A

really good feel for and a good footballer as a young guy. His

goalkeeping was also a feature in the day. Scotland electing to take

the points. They had the pressure, great break-out and three more

points from the boot of Greig Laidlaw. This becomes confident and

comfortable for Scotland without being dominating. I can't remember

the Japanese being out of their own half in the second half. They've had

a couple of break-outs. They got Scotland down to the line-out

eventually but Scotland are applying the screws and being industrious

without being brilliant. Vern Cotter will be very happy at

this stage. Quite a bit of breathing space. It's been a good second half

of the Scots. They've certainly been the better side. Ryan Wilson is

shining. He's had a good game. Always wants to carry the ball and

always wants to take it up. A good athlete. Again they pick out Hogg

who sends it long. The Japanese played quickly. Man-macro.

For Japanese forwards are long -- lined up. The counter attack is on.

That has been called back for a slightly forward pass. Maitland was

contemplating giving the man some freedom. A big throwing came back.

It's good to -- good Scottish chase. And a good tackle by Fraser Brown.

Ryan Wilson comes off. He's put in a good shift. He has. He put in three

or four big tackles on Amanaki Mafi. He's had a very physical game. Yes,

and off goes WP Nel who has also put in a good shift.

They said during the week that they would try to give all the players a

game in the two matches and the next one is in Tokyo next weekend. It's

an important period for both teams as they take their first steps

towards the World Cup in 2019 and try to develop their depth. As a

Scot, I have to say this game has been incredibly well organised. We

were waiting for the buses and it said the Scottish team bus would

arrive, I think, at 55 and it turned up two minutes early. The Japanese

team bus was also two minutes early. If this is the World Cup Stadium the

2019, it's the perfect venue. A skip inside and intercepted. Japan

are counterattack. He didn't need to get the ball to Tatekawa. He is the

lightest forward on the pitch. That was well read by Tatekawa. This was

the link forward but I don't think he expected it back.

Tatekawa is a very experienced player. A World Cup star. In your

formative playing days you spend some time with the same team as him.

Murray Globe has just come on and has 32 caps to his name. -- Low. It

looks like Tim Swinson coming on for Richie Gray who's had a lot of

rugby. Swinson is six but it's a heavy, strong man.

Probably not the right execution from him and it is spilled.

A great turnover from the Japanese and incomes Paea. Japan have plenty

of numbers down this side. Swinson is being told he can't go

down there. And that was a high tackle. You play -- so they are

playing advantage. It comes left again. And they go back for the

penalty with Japan desperate to finish the game off on a high.

Again, it started from a turnover for Scotland. It was just a window

of opportunity and the Japanese are so quick to come in and take the

ball. Jackson too slow and that is when Japan looks to speed the ball

up. Move the ball up quickly and make a decision to run or kick or

pass. They moved the ball so quickly.

Isolation has been a common theme for the Scots. It's like they're

waiting for the next phase or if someone gets their shoulders through

from the offensive line is almost a shock. -- defensive. The momentum is

with the Japanese. . Quickly taken. The Japanese will have two realigned

their squad if they are to make any advantage.

It has been turned over. Laidlaw has Jackson ready to send it down the

pitch as the Japanese cleared to where they think it will land.

Jackson is not too happy with that one. He just had to grab it twice.

Good pressure from the Japanese. They've shown themselves to be a

good team up on the 22. On that occasion, a pretty good Scottish

defence. A short kick there from Jackson. No doubt, Japanese will

choose the driving maul. Yes, I think that is James Robson, one of

the great doctors in Rugby who has saved lives on the pitch, he thinks

may be James Barclay's shoulder was maybe extended. Japan have a full

line-out formation here. Good lifting and good skills.

Oh, it is a knock-on again. Laidlaw, there's nobody at home and Seymour

is the main chaser. If the ball bounces the right way, he has a

chance. It has just going over the dead-ball line. That was great play.

Laidlaw spotted there was nobody home and kicked through. Seymour

just about got there but was eluded by the pace of the ball. One of the

strengths of Laidlaw is the ability to see what is happening on the

backfield. Particularly from turnover. Quite often there is no

one there. Here, just unlucky the ball beat Seymour. Just such a small

dead ball area. He thought it must be three times bigger than this one,

but it's the same for both teams. Jackson kicked the ball and he will

be kicking himself. He's had a good game at ten. Maybe the beard got in

the way! His elbows were out wide. Just a bit slippery here. It's very

humid here. I wonder if Dan Carter is an understanding coach. -- Vern

Cotter. Next time we see Jackson, we'll see

he has taken on his fingers to help with that kind of skill. He's had a

good game. A great distributor. That was quickly rocked by the

Japanese and quickly ran the corner. Those very quick phases, as in the

World Cup. Short ball. They are quick hands.

Amanaki Mafi wants to go himself and you can hear the crowd delighted

when he gets it. Everyone is shouting at the referee for the

penalty and, on this occasion, it worked. The Japanese were folding

around down to the 15 line. You can see there's not too much coming from

the 15 on the clean out but it has to come from the outside. Scotland

have been in strong position over the ball.

Matt Scott has had another powerful game in midfield. Fraser to tackle.

Just about ten minutes left according to the stadium clock here.

The verdict is going to be, plenty to work on. Some things have gone

well, some of those crumbs have gone well, some of the wider shapes, but

they lost the ball a few times -- some of the scrums have gone well.

Shorter ball, round the back door. That was good defence, that wasn't

bad attack. We saw Jackson being lined up by a Japanese player. And

it is going to be brought back for a scrum, too. When they spot the

tackle is on, they fire. You see the ball goes behind those runners.

Those forward runners on the inside probably look a bit early, they were

not an option for the past. Tatekawa is a good player, a lot of

experience. He has played in some big matches for the Japan. A very

good tackle. -- good tackle. That was Peter Horne penalised, he

thought he was under attack, he had the first dibs of the ball. It is

going to be a penalty to the Japanese.

Has he changed his mind? He decided to go for the line-out. What is left

of the attacking opportunities coming for the Japanese.

Pen, 12 metres out from the Scottish line. That man in the background, oh

no. -- are no. He is an old score player. Yes, he is. Very juror ball,

tough player. The Japanese have the ball. This is one of their areas of

expertise. The Scots have struggled to defend them in the past, and they

are doing their best here. It is a penalty, though. Is there going to

be a sin-bin in? The number of infringements are too

high. OK? Murray m in from the side. -- Murray m in. The number of

attacking opportunities for the Japanese. The temperature has gone

up here in more ways than one. Another penalty. And Scotland could

be down to 14 men. Quick line-out. Not properly executed. You can hear

the crowd now getting behind these Japanese players. Mafi wants the

ball. But she do to Mafi, MAPI bludgeons through the first

defender. -- Majid. Gets caught up in dark blue jersey

is attacking. Tamura comes round the corner. Great defence by the Scots.

And a good attendance this evening. We are just hearing the attendances

is 24,113 people. This is not a huge rugby city. Many of these people

came from other cities to be here tonight. We expect more next week,

24,000 people. It is a good crowd, and it is a very

different stadium. It is not like many rugby stadiums. It is

incredibly steep. The ground is actually the field sitting down

below ground level. You walk in from the street and you look down at the

ground, it gives a really good feeling. As soon as you walk into

the ground. OK, it looks like Hendrick has been

substituted. -- Hendrik Tui. On is how rookie Yamamoto. And younger

Moto is straight into the action -- Hiroki Yamamoto. Japan hitting the

midfield. When the Japanese go forward, they do it well. Barclay

with a gorgeous turnover, John Barclay getting right back up.

Swooped the ball up. He has time to think. He has Jackson to his right.

He wants the forwards to block, but they are stuck in the ruck. Back to

Jackson, he'd take the heat of the proceedings. That was a turn up, out

of the top draw. One of the best in the business, John Barclay is very

experienced. Again, just the chasing is too slow. The defence of the game

on both sides. Good turnover of the ball.

Another bad line-out. Several line-outs tonight haven't been off

the top order. Time is running out here. Taken by Sutherland, he did

well. Laidlaw looks back to Jackson. I think they are going to run down

the clock. They have looked up at the stadium clock, the clock in the

stadium says 39 colon 26. -- 39: 26. He went between some players. He hit

those four forwards again. Again, they come back. Swinson,

abrasive. Laidlaw to my reload. There is the hooter, as Greig

Laidlaw kicks the ball off the pitch. And it has been a game, at

times it has been enthralling. Enough mistakes to worry Vern Cotter

going forward. But in general, much to be happy about. There has been a

great try, too. And enough there to make them happy with what they have

done. They have beaten the Japanese here in Toyota city. The final score

is 13-26 to Scotland. STUDIO: Job done for Scotland, added

on ten points in the second half. Japan only added on three points to

their total from the first half. 30 points to 26 is their final score.

Then, job done and well done. They got the job done. I think there was

a few more chances out there, but they are working on this week. But I

think like you say, job done. The second half got them the win. You

mention the numerical advantage at half-time, they took advantage of

that. Overall, user Vern Cotter would be fairly happy, some errors

in the first half but things are going in the right direction, and

getting that win in the first Test is so important. It was all about

the win. I think it was an adequate performance, quite professional and

efficient in what they did. There was a lot of rustiness, but as we

said at half-time, these guys have not played for six weeks. Inevitably

it had a preseason feel to it, mistakes, the passing wasn't quite

as slick. But that is a good win, let's not underestimate this, any

win away from home against a team that is as near in the world

rankings as ours, it is good. They will be more than satisfied with the

good stuff and work on the stuff they weren't quite as good at. What

do you think they will work on? There were few things, Ruaridh

Jackson hasn't played at ten for a while for his country, there is the

connection between nine and ten and also ten and 12. It is not easy to

do, perhaps things like that to work on? I think as a whole it has a

feeling, the first half had a lot of good points, some errors in the

field. The turnover and knock-on. The second half was kind of the

same. Japan held on. They were under too much pressure. The defence were

looking good, the attack was more accurate and much better. A couple

of times, you know, they used it earlier on in the first half. They

almost scored in the build-up to the try, which was great. You can see

from that, keep your foot on it and keep going from there. Don't let

Japan get back in the game from there. They were able to hold on,

which was good. I think what tells you that the game was theirs,

Barclay and Wilson were probably the best players because of their

defensive work as much as anything. Barclay I thought was outstanding in

defence, gets his hands on the ball and causes a real issue there.

Hardie is well made up a really competitive and combating the back

row. They will be pleased with that side of it -- combated back row. The

second passed they will build on this. That is a good foundation.

From a winning foundation, as well. I think they will get better this

week. One thing that seems extraordinary is the way that Greig

Laidlaw keeps getting the points. Every time he makes a kick it seems

like he is so deadly. He is great in front of the post, from far out,

from the corner flags, extraordinary. His accuracy is so

good. In rugby these days, if you want a good goal kick, look at the

goal-scorers. People like Dan Carter, the kicking percentages are

95%. If you have got that, there is no pressure to give a penalty away

within range. Great Laidlaw kept in the penalty. You start racking them

up and keep the scoreboard going. You don't let teams get away from

you if you have got a good goalkeeper. You know, he scored two

tries today which bumped it up a little bit on the scoreboard. I

agree in tiling. Giving you credit, Greig Laidlaw, he was criticised in

his role as captain of the Scotland team but he seems to be carrying

himself with a lot of confidence these days and gets on with the

business and meet that team so well. There is commentary about how when

he was ten his game than a dream was good. -- his game management. Game

management is really, really strong. The only issue I have is that there

is a huge reliance on Greig now. He was playing the full 80 minutes.

There was maybe a concern without him that the goalkicker will was not

there. From a rugby perspective, I think Henry is a great player but I

worry that there is too much thrown at Greig We need to develop so that

we spread the responsibility. All of the kicking and point-scoring is

coming through Greig. If he picks up an injury, we need to fill that gap.

I would like to see him have a bit more confidence in the bench, for

Henry to come on next week and get a bit more game time. Let's talk about

the start of the second half. We said that Scotland had to take

advantage of the numerical advantage, 13 men on the pitch for

Japan, they did that right from the kick-off. Not just scrum and

line-out, it was kick off as well. Tommy Seymour, fantastic kick. What

you didn't want as Japan to get that ball and maybe be able to dictate

the game with too few players. Scotland within the deep of the 22,

penalty advantage here, they knew that they could throw it around.

Good kicked by Jackson, Hoyland, his first start for Scotland, he was so

close there. One more slide over and turn he was going to get there. They

didn't panic, they just kept recycling get. They got held up.

That ultimately led to the position -- keep recycling it. It was

immediately putting pressure on the on demand Japan defence. You said he

should be kicking to the corners, and he was listening to you! The

first half was a little bit, it is a great restart, great kick by Tommy.

Like you say, they don't panic. If they don't score the try, they don't

lose the momentum. They keep the ball. Maybe in the past you would

rush and try to force it. But they say, don't panic. It is great to see

that. I thought they needed at this point. When you have got to Mac

extra men, there is going to be space out wide. Nel make so many

good decisions. We talk about the scrummaging, but in defence and

attack he makes good decisions. That is a well finished try. He had to

come through traffic, it was the perfect start to the second half.

Bill Jones says he is built like an obstacle course on legs! He does the

job. He is great on defence, he is switched on. He is more than capable

of doing things off-the-cuff. Again, after 80 minutes if you have still

got it, it is great to have that extra. Let's talk about Stuart

Horne. We mentioned a half-time how important he is and how exciting he

is for the squad, he is off-load he can do also some things. He made an

impact as he always does. A huge impact on the game, he is just so

dangerous. A great kick through by Japan, under pressure. Ball in hand,

scanning what is in front of him. Broken field, there is nobody better

at the moment. Maitland gets it, you think it is a great opportunity.

Matt Scott out, John Hardie on the wing. There is a tackle and touch.

If we are to keep that going, take a quick penalty, they almost got

there. You don't know where that spark is going to come from. Usually

it comes from Stuart Hogg, because it has in the last six months.

Again, he almost started by a try. I think John Beattie said during the

radio coverage of the Pro12 season but Cobb after the World Cup, he

went slightly off the ball for Glasgow. But then when the Six

Nations came around, the chest was puffed out and he was back at it and

back on it. Just such an exciting thing to see when he is playing like

that. Six Nations of the standard of the tournament, he is recognised for

that. You can see how dangerous he can be. He is under pressure, he has

to get out of that and open it up. For me it is kind of playing heads

up rugby, what he has been great at for the past few years. Playing the

off-load. You know, even John Hardie, he is aware of what is

happening, he has thrown the ball into try and keep it alive. There is

a quick line-out, in the Six Nations he took the quick tackle and scored

it himself. He is starting to think for himself, taking initiative and

really going for it. He is a guy who likes to coach the team, but he lets

guys like you and Cobb have the head and do things. When he makes a break

like that, does he coach UN to support? How does it work? Does

everybody say, Stuart Hogg is off and we have to go after him? I'm

just thinking about the next phase now. Yes, you are always taught, the

support lines, that kind of thing. He just sort of ram, dodged a few

defenders to get round. Trying to link up with players outside. Duncan

Taylor and John worked hard to get back. It was knowing where to run

and what to do in Rugby. You can't coach that, you just learned that

from the more training and playing to do. It is not really an actual

supporting line there. When you have a player like Stuart Hogg, I don't

know what the stats are, for five times he is going to break the line

as a scrum-half, as a support line, rather than being behind you could

be on the inside line knowing that he is going to break the defensive

line, you just take the chance when you have got somebody like Stuart

Hogg who is going to break the first line. He is a great player to play

off because he can, you know, you can buy the raffle ticket to take

the chance. Let's here from Greig Laidlaw, the Scotland captain, he

spoke to our Japanese colleagues who asked him how the game was. It was

good, it was a good one for us. We probably need to tie it up a bit

more and be a bit more accurate and tidy in the second half, we gave the

ball away and let Japan off the hook. It was a tough Test match,

credit to the pan. -- credit to Japan. SPEAKS IN JAPANESE.

How different was the Japan team to the World Cup? A little bit

different, the scoreline was closer. You know, they are improving all the

time, and that is a credit to the players and the coaches. They are a

good team. Also for us as well, we have not played together for a long

time. It is the first game we have had together, we are looking to

improve for next week. The point he is making there, as Andy was saying,

they haven't played together for a long time. Not only is he a great

captain, he understands Japanese! He plays at Gloucester, it is quite

similar! Let's talk about the chances that Scotland created in the

second half, some positive play. There was, 26-13 is a good victory,

but a couple of chances were left out here. Scotland have a good

structure, Jackson brings it into the midfield with the forwards. It

goes out wide. This is a sublime piece of skill from Stuart Hogg. He

gets it. The ball bounces out and he just takes his eye offered. If he

keeps hold of that ball, he scores, and there was a great opportunity --

I off it. Good decision by Greig Laidlaw to kick it. Then it is just

a foot race and the more is winning it. You just think, a nicer way to

kick here is the try. Full pace with the rugby ball, eat you don't know

how it is going. Ironically, if that is at Molly Murrayfield that is a

try because the dead ball area is so much longer. If Scotland take those

opportunities, that becomes a row comfortable victory. That's why I

think they will be happy. 26-30 is a good win. It could have been more,

but they will be pleased. That is the positivity to take into next

week's passed. There are two clean cut chances that we had there. Nine

times out of ten in training it is just one of those things, the same

with Johnny Seymour. Did you close your eyes? The ball was there, it

was almost too good. Because it was right there he looks up to see the

try line and then forgot to catch it! Scotland did create these

chances, but there was a moment of Japanese interception where it

needed a bit of a scramble defence, and Scotland coped. We were

attacking, there was an inside ball to make them but didn't go to hand.

What was really good -- to Maitland. It was poor attack and execution,

some of Japan's passing was actually quite poor. In the World Cup I

thought their skills were outstanding in that victory against

South Africa, so I thought Scotland's scrambled defence

throughout the whole game was really good. They scored a try in the first

half when Ruaridh Jackson scored. Other than that they didn't really

look like scoring. It was down to the good defence that Jackson put

in. The defence coach, Matt Taylor, he will be really pleased with the

defensive performance of from a try. You talked about Howard good Japan

work during the World Cup. -- how good Japan well. England now have

their coach, and they are doing really well. England are in

Australia, and they got 27-7, that is really good -- 26-7. They might

well whitewash Australia last week, this Australia side dominated them

in the group stages of the World Cup and finished second, remember. That

is as a nominal result, and it is pretty much the same squad that they

had in the World Cup. -- a phenomenal result. That is testament

to how did Eddie Jones is. Scotland beat Japan in the World Cup earlier

on this year after they had beaten South Africa, Eddie Jones

masterminded that. It is an extraordinary job he is doing. They

have confidence, that is why they are winning these games. We are

watching a lot of it today and last weekend, they are so confident. It

is a supporting team, it is a hard game to stop that. I think he has

got them playing really well, the confidence that they have and they

have to build on that now, it is going to be a tough thing to stop.

He seems to let players play. It is not a lack of talent, he has a huge

base. If you'd walk about centres, at half time they have five there,

-- if you talk about centres. They probably have ten that they can call

on. It is about picking the right players, the mix that they have got.

Just giving them the inspiration, the backing to go and play, and he

has done that. I have spoken to a few coaches about him, and he just

empowers the players to go and play, that is a great thing as a player to

do that, the freedom to express yourself. I watched the match last

weekend, England went down but managed to maintain it. It was a

mature performance that came from down. They came back and scored a

few good tries and won the game. Vern Cotter also lets players play

as well. The match next week against Japan, the second Bethan. Confidence

going into that? Good. It is a great start to the two match series, for

all the reasons we have said. They haven't played a lot of rugby, new

combination has been used, some players have been exposed like

Hoyland, Sutherland, getting good game time. They probably weren't

train that hard because it is the end of a long season. I think they

will be better next week and they will look to play better and win

better next week. A similar starting line-up? I don't think there will be

many changes. There the decision at eight, does Denton start, do you

want to be more physical? Wilson was excellent. I would like to see maybe

Horne coming in on the centre. There are a few options. Next week is

really important, I don't seem any changes at all. That is almost it

from us, it has been a fantastic opening result. London Japan. This

afternoon, if you want to listen to football, golf and tennis, that is

on BBC radio Scotland from 2pm this afternoon. -- fantastic opening

result for Japan. A good win. From Andy, thin and me, thank you so much

for your company, goodbye for now.