No extra pressure on Scotland, insists coach

Japan celebrate the 34-32 win against the Springboks on Saturday, regarded as the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA via AP

ASSISTANT coach Matt Taylor has shrugged off suggestions that Scotland are under extra pressure as they prepare to face World Cup shock-troops Japan.

The Brave Blossoms put on a cavalier show as they stunned the world with Saturday’s barely-believable 34-32 win over South Africa.

It was the Asian champions’ first victory at a World Cup since 1991 and left the two-time former winners reeling.

And it has now turned the spotlight on the Scots. A bumper TV audience is expected to join a sell-out Kingsholm crowd on Wednesday in anticipation of Eddie Jones’ men repeating their Springboks success.

Dozens of Japanese journalists have flown in to Gloucester while media personnel from other far-flung spots across the globe have also hurriedly made their way to the West Country in case lightning strikes twice.

But Taylor insists Scotland have not let the hype surrounding the game affect their preparation as they look forward to finally getting their tournament underway.

He said: “I wouldn’t say we are under any extra pressure. We’re just looking forward to the opportunity.

“For us, we have been watching all these other games while 
we’re one of the last ones to play. We’re pretty excited.

“The guys are looking forward to putting all their hard work over the last couple of years and in particular, the last two months together, into a performance that the country can be proud of.”

Scotland’s South African-born prop WP Nel, meanwhile, insists he is not out to avenge the Springboks defeat on behalf of his compatriots.

The 29-year-old hails from the Northern Cape and only qualified for his adopted nation last month after spending three years with Edinburgh.

But he says Japan’s victory - already widely accepted as the biggest upset in the history of rugby - has not featured into his thinking.

Speaking at the final press conference ahead of the Scots’ opening Pool B clash in Gloucester, the tighthead said: “I don’t think there are scores to settle. I’m playing for my Scotland team so there are no extra emotions.