McGeechan expects great things for his side

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan is confident his players can bring to fruition nearly three years of groundwork and hit their World Cup opponents with a bright, expansive style of rugby.

McGeechan believes it is crucial that the Scots succeed in dictating how their Pool B games against Japan, the USA, France and Fiji are played if they are to maintain their World Cup record of qualifying for the quarter-finals at every tournament.

The final build-up to the World Cup was not ideal for Scotland, with defeats to Wales and then Ireland, but they enjoyed a prosperous summer with two eye-catching performances against South Africa.

And McGeechan is confident his charges are ready to translate that attacking fire onto the grandest stage of all.

“We have been trying to evolve the style over the last three years,” he said.

“We have been more consistent in some of the things – not as consistent as we would like – but when we get it right it creates a dynamic game which I think does suit us.

“We changed a few things we were doing in South Africa and I think we have had good preparation through the summer.

“I think we are a mobile team. When we create those sort of conditions, our rugby looks at its best.

“But other teams are trying to stop you doing that, which is why we have got to be very clever and very committed in getting the best game out of ourselves.”

However, Scotland’s ability to play that fluid, action-packed style will be tested as much by the local Queensland conditions as the opposition.

Townsville and Brisbane are steamy cities and McGeechan predicted it will be “stressful and distressing” for his players.

While all their group opponents will be a little more comfortable in the environment, McGeechan is confident the spadework has been done and the players will be primed for a run into the last eight.

“Training in the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, they have physically changed and acclimatised to a certain extent, which has been proven medically,” he said.

“The other thing is a physical thing – 30 degree heat and 96% humidity is quite stressful and can be distressing.

“They have experienced that and worked in conditions so they know what to expect.

“They will have respect not only for Japan but for the sort of environment that Townsville can produce.

“I think it is very important from our point of view that we don’t leave anything to chance.”