Rugby World Cup 2019: Scotland

World ranking: Seventh

Qualification: 2015 quarter-finals

Best result: Fourth 1991

TAB odds: $41

Chances: On rankings, Scotland should progress through pool play, but face a tough group that includes hosts Japan and historic giantkillers Samoa, as well as Ireland.

Will need to be on top of their game throughout the tournament, because if they make it to the quarter-finals, they crossover with the NZ/South Africa pool.

Leading players:

Stuart McInally

The Scotland skipper is competing at his first World Cup after injury ruled him out four years ago. The 29-year-old began his career as a back-rower before converting to hooker and since earned the nickname "Rambo" for his style of play

Stuart Hogg

The British and Irish Lions fullback has been one of Scotland's best over the years, winning back-to-back Six Nations player of the season awards in 2017/18. He will play an important role if Scotland are to go far in the tournament.

Finn Russell 

The playmaker holds the key to Scotland's success in Japan. He's like a pest, with his high-risk play, slick passing and pace off the mark. On defence, he's very good reading plays and is known for his ablity to sniff out an intercept try. 

Squad:

Forwards: John Barclay, Simon Berghan, Fraser Brown, Scott Cummings, Allan Dell, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Stuart McInally (capt), WP Nel, Gordon Reid, Jamie Ritchie, Blade Thomson, Ben Toolis, George Turner, Hamish Watson, Ryan Wilson.

Backs: Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Adam Hastings, Stuart Hogg, George Horne, Peter Horne, Sam Johnson, Blair Kinghorn, Greig Laidlaw, Sean Maitland, Ali Price, Finn Russell, Tommy Seymour, Duncan Taylor.

Pool draw (NZT)
September 22
Ireland v Scotland, Yokohama City, 7:45pm (live updates)

September 30
Scotland v Samoa, Kobe City, 11:15pm

October 9
Scotland v Russia, Shizukoa Prefecture, 8:15pm

October 13
Japan v Scotland, Yokohama City, 11:45pm (live updates)

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