U.S. cap Mike has fond memories of Scotland

To attribute the victory of Japan to a miracle is an insult to the vision and the strategy adopted over the last few years, after they were selected to host the 2019 World Cup. Should we believe in miracles all the time or is it wise to look for a pattern worth following in Japanese rugby that other Asian nations can benefit from?

The gap in experience and professionalism between the two sides is what makes the difference.

The 53-year-old Kiwi – who has turned round Scotland in terms of morale and performance – will be looking to a radically revamped starting XV from the one that trounced Japan 45-10 on Wednesday, to beat a tough and durable United States outfit.

Japan have already become the team to follow after their thrilling, last-gasp 34-32 win over the two-time champions on Saturday – and they will receive plenty of backing, particularly as their national colours are the same as the ones worn by the Kingsholm club. We trust them completely.

That physicality is what Cotter spoke most about when assessing the Americans.

But with such a short turnaround before their next Pool B fixture, they have now been told to take it easy on the caffeine.

“They had a week to prepare and watched us play two days ago so they’ll be on the money”.

Also, knowing rugby, a winger’s try could have come from the unnoticed efforts of a prop who robbed the ball in a maul. “We just have to get on with it. We’ve known this schedule for a long time and have tried to keep continuity in selection while also introducing fresh legs to what will be another very physical challenge this Sunday”.

Pyrgos, who has four tries to his name in his previous 16 Tests, said he felt he had the necessary qualities to counter any problems.

Henry Pyrgos takes over the captaincy and scrumhalf role from Greig Laidlaw, in his Cup debut to boot.

Cork woman Gemma Crowley is the Team Services Manager at the Rugby World Cup for Ireland’s Pool D. She offers an insight into some of the logistics that have gone into planning England 2015…

So they limited their changes, because they want to notch another credible effort against the Wallabies, who are their big fry.

“Everyone coming in knows they’ve a job to do, to slot in seamlessly and continue the plan”.

There’s a variety of bases including Surrey Sports Park, the FA headquarters at St George’s Park or Woodbury Park in Exeter, but the one thing I found interesting was how teams differ in where they want to base themselves.

In the seven previous World Cups, Japan won one game, scoring 428 points and giving up 1,159. While Scotland is a fully professional team with all the players dedicating their careers to Rugby, the majority of the U.S. side combine their training with a part-time job elsewhere. In the first stage of the tournament, each team will compete against all four of their Pool opponents.