Scots recall Smith

Scotland coach Ian McGeechan has brought prop Tom Smith back into his starting line-up after injury but left veteran fly-half Gregor Townsend on the bench for the World Cup opener against Japan on Sunday.

Smith missed the Scots’ last two warm-up matches because of a broken thumb but will be his team’s most experienced front rower as he packs down with fellow prop Bruce Douglas and hooker Rob Russell.

But it is unlikely the Northampton man will be asked to run through the full 80 minutes as McGeechan looks to spare his players too much exposure to the debilitating heat in Townsville.

“We want to use all 22 players if we can and spread the load,” McGeechan told PA Sport.

“We have still got to wait and see what the conditions are but we have tried to prepare everything for humid, hot conditions and have everyone up to speed,” he said.

While calling on Smith, McGeechan has opted to keep Townsend on the bench alongside Gordon Bulloch, which means two players with 131 caps’ worth of experience are available should things go awry against the lively Japanese.

Ben Hinshelwood completed his recovery from a broken leg earlier this year to play just his sixth Test, the 26-year-old Melbourne-born Worcester utility starting at fullback.

Also back from injury is Scott Murray, the Edinburgh lock making the starting line-up after overcoming a knee problem.

Meanwhile, Gordon Ross will be wearing the number 10 jersey in just his 10th Test match.

The 25-year-old Leeds fly-half will have the steadying influence of skipper Bryan Redpath inside him and is well aware that the Japanese will be gunning for him – particularly their highly-rated loose forwards.

“I have seen some videotape of them in their last few games and their number eight is a good runner and their number seven seems to be everywhere, but hopefully our forwards will control the ball and control the game and give the backs a bit of space,” said Ross.

He is hoping to seize his chance in the starting XV, even though Townsend is likely to come off the bench at some stage.

“I try not to think about the bench too much and whether Gregor’s going to come on – just focus on my game and show what I can do out there,” he said.

“We know where they should be coming from and hopefully we will get control and I will be able to do well.”

Scotland team to play Japan in Townsville on October 12 is:

B Hinshelwood; C Paterson, A Craig, J McLaren, K Logan; G Ross, B Redpath; T Smith, R Russell, B Douglas, S Murray, S Grimes, J White, S Taylor, J Petrie.

Replacements: G Bulloch, G Kerr, R Beattie, M Leslie, M Blair, G Townsend, S Danielli.