Live Commentary: Scotland 45-10 Japan - as it happened

Good afternoon! Scotland will get their Rugby World Cup campaign underway in around half an hour, as they face the surprise package of Japan, who come into this match fresh from the glory of defeating South Africa at the weekend. Let's start with a reminder of the team news...

SCOTLAND STARTING XV: Hogg, Seymour, Bennett, Scott, Lamont, Russell, Laidlaw, Dickinson, Ford, Nel, Gilchrist, Gray, Wilson, Hardie, Denton

JAPAN STARTING XV: Goromaru, Matsushima, Sa'u, Tamura, Fukuoka, Tatekawa, Tanaka, Inagaki, Horie, Yamashita, Thompson, Ives, Leitch, Broadhurst, Mafi

So the good news for Scotland is that Stuart Hogg has recovered from an ankle injury sustained in a warm-up match against Scotland last month. Sean Lamont start on the wing, picking up his 98th cap for his country.

Japan have had just four days off since their shock victory over South Africa in Brighton. As a result, their a six changes to the starting lineup for the 2019 host nation, with Keita Inagaki and Amanaki Mafi, who both came on as replacements on Saturday, coming into the starting lineup. Karne Hesketh, who scored the winning try, remains among the replacements though, while full-back Ayumu Goromaru, who put in a phenomenal kicking display last time out, retains his place.

Barney Corkhill is in Gloucester for this afternoon's match. He'll be giving us his pre-match thoughts shortly, but in the mean time, here's the scene at Kingsholm:

Can Japan do it again? We're in place for #SCO vs #JPN at the #RWC2015. Live coverage: http://t.co/XfVm7zF2m0 pic.twitter.com/sVDXibuexl

— Sports Mole (@SportsMole) September 23, 2015

This is the fifth time that these two countries have faced each other. So far, Scotland have eased to four comfortable victories, including on by a 92-point winning margin. Japan have shown that they are a much improved side this year, winning their last four matches.

Barney Corkhill's pre-match thoughts from Kingsholm:

"This match has a lot more intrigue surrounding it now than it might have done a week ago. Japan may even be viewed by some as favourites today having moved above Scotland in the world rankings with that incredible victory over South Africa, but can they replicate that just four days later? It is going to be a huge ask for them and, while we have already learned not to count them out, I'm expecting a fresh Scotland to come out on top here."

Ahead of this match, Scotland coach Vern Cotter told reporters: "We've prepared well for what will be a very tough Test against a powerful and fit Japanese team, who like to play a high-tempo game. Japan will have taken a lot of confidence from their opening win over South Africa. However, that doesn't change our approach to this game or the pool. The priority for us to ensure that we get our jobs right with accuracy, and impose ourselves on the game."

Meanwhile, Japan's Eddie Jones said at his pre-match press conference: "If you look at Scotland's scoring profile they are very heavily a first-half scoring team. They get outscored consistently in the second half. We know we are a fit team so if we can stick with them in the first 30 minutes and we are in the game at half-time, we will run them off their feet. Are we fitter? Definitely. All the pressure is on Scotland. We can go in there free and easy, play our rugby, enjoy the rugby and that's what we intend to do. If we are good enough we'll win it, if we're not good enough we won't. We don't have any fears. We knew it was a four-day turnaround so we'll go into the game as well as we can and give it our best shot."

Kingsholm is on its feet for @Scotlandteam! Electric atmosphere 10 mins out from kick-off. #AsOne pic.twitter.com/UK7txiLMlx — Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) September 23, 2015

The teams are in the tunnel ready to head out for this afternoon's match. It's absolutely packed at the Gloucester ground, with plenty of flags from both countries on display.

Barney Corkhill reports from Kingsholm:

"There is a good atmosphere inside the Kingsholm Stadium, with fans of both sides making themselves heard. The majority are Scottish, but you can be sure that any neutrals are firmly in the Japanese camp today. What a game we have in store."

Those fans are certainly making themselves heard as Flower of Scotland is played ahead of kickoff. The Japanese fans are certainly doing their bit during their national anthem though.

KICKOFF! Japan get the match underway!

Matsushima is on the ball early on, looking to use his pace out wide for the Japanese side, but Hogg is there to shove him into touch. Scotland have the opening lineout of the game, but the referee isn't happy with the way the catcher was brought down, so it's a penalty for the Scots.

Greig Laidlaw makes the most of the early opportunity for Scotland, curling the ball around from out wide. Japan quickly try to push down the other end, but Sean Lamont gets the better of Matsushima to beat him to the kick forward.

Laidlaw tries to hand the ball off to Laidlaw, but as he's tackled he loses control of the ball, allowing Inagaki to force the turnover. Captain Michael Leitch leads the charge towards the Scottish 22, but the ball ends up going forward, so Scotland will have the scrum.

Jonny Gray brings the ball down from a Scottish lineout before offloading it to Dave Denton. Vern Cotter's side looks to use the width before moving back across to the right, where Tommy Seymour is forced into touch while looking for the corner.

Japan manage to keep possession from the lineout, despite Scotland clearly pressing to get it back so close to the Japan try line. Tanaka passes it to Goromaru, who boots it deep to opposite number Hogg.

Barney Corkhill provides on update from Gloucester:

"A quick start was always going to be important for Scotland today - not only to eliminate any rust that may have accumulated during their watching brief on the opening days of the tournament but also to test out what are sure to be tired Japanese legs. Vern Cotter's side have done exactly that and they will be content with how the opening 10 minutes have gone here."

The Scotland fly-half gets another sight at the posts as the referee spots another mistake from Japan with Scotland moving inside the Japan 22 again.

Is it happening again?! South Africa kicked a string of early penalties against Japan before letting their opponents get the try on the board, and the same has happened again today. Japan force a lineout on the five-metre line, and drive towards the posts, eventually allowing Amanaki Mafi to force it over.

Full-back Ayumu Goromaru adds the extra two points for Japan to put the team ahead for the first time today, after what had been quite a solid start by Scotland. There's a chance for Scotland to edge back in front straight away though, as Shota Horie is penalised for a tackle without arms.

It's another easy penalty kick for Greig Laidlaw. It's pretty windy in the stadium today, but that doesn't seem to be causing any problems for Laidlaw. The wind does present a problem for Japan as they kick the ball out from the back though, resulting in another knock on and therefore a Scottish scrum.

The Kingsholm pitch is really cutting up under the scrum, particularly for Japan, resulting in them conceded another penalty, which allows Laidlaw to extend Scotland's lead further. Scotland may have been undone by Japan's lineout, but their own set pieces have been excellent so far.

Japan are coming again as Leitch and Tanaka pass the ball around, but Goromaru loses it, allowing Lamont to steal it back for Scotland, and he skips around Matsushima while looking to slip down the line.

SIN BIN! Looking to make amends for letting Lamont by, Kotaro Matsushima hits the winger once he's gone to ground, so has earned himself a 10-minutes spell in the sin bin. It will be interesting to see how Japan cope while down to 14 men.

MISSED PENALTY! Greig Laidlaw misses for the first time today. It was a long way from the posts, but his effort curled just wide.

Despite being a player down, Japan are on the front foot as they force a penalty, which they elect to kick from a lineout rather than take three, giving them a lineout just short of the try line. It's the same tactic that earned them a win over South Africa at the weekend, but Scotland are ready for the resulting driving maul, with Dickinson, Ford and Wilson all helping to break it up, before Tanaka eventually knocks out.

MISSED PENALTY! Japan force another penalty as Scotland are adjudged to have illegally driven during the scrum. Goromaru and Leitch chat about it briefly before they elect to go for the posts, but the Japanese full-back curls it too much, resulting in his effort going just wide.

Tanaka offloads the ball to Yamashita, who tries to burst through the Scottish line, but Thompson's pass right to Leitch is a fraction forward.

There's good news for Japan as they're back up to 15 men, with Horie returning from the sin bin. Bizarrely, they've actually looked more of a threat since he's been off the pitch, but will surely look to maintain the pressure now that he's back.

Here's the latest from Barney Corkhill in Kingsholm:

"Japan are pressing well here, but they aren't getting quite the same level of success as they did against South Africa. Scotland are being tested defensively at the moment and so far they have stood up to that examination. It is a tight and competitive game, though, and there is no sign of Japan being one-hit wonders right now."

Japan instantly look to use Horie, with the team driving at the Scotland try line. Mafi tries to leap over the top of the maul for his second try of the game, but Hogg is there to block him, and the number eight seems to have picked up a pick of a knock in the process.

Scotland have a scrum, but it's just shortly of their own try line, so they need to get the ball away. Denton tries to run it out, but he's brought down, allowing Japan to regain possession briefly, before Scotland get the penalty and kick it away for a lineout.

Finn Russell, who has been pretty quiet so far, passes the ball across the middle to Mark Bennett, who initially drops the ball before gathering it at the second time of asking. Sa'u is penalised for not rolling away after Lamont is tackled though, so it's yet another penalty for Scotland, and they go for another lineout.

Scotland are looking to finish the half with a try, with Laidlaw and Denton both trying to slip through, but Japan are defending well, with Seymour being shoved into touch by Goromaru to stop the wing sneaking over in the corner.

So at the break, four first-half penalties from Greig Laidlaw have given Scotland a narrow lead over Japan, who briefly lead after Amanaki Mafi scored the only try of the opening 40 minutes.

Stuart Hogg has had a pretty busy first half, despite coming into this match off the back of an ankle injury sustained just a couple of weeks ago. He's had a few dangerous touches going forward, and made some well-timed tackles.

© Getty Images

Barney Corkhill provides a half-time update from Gloucester:

"What a magnificent try-saving tackle that was right at the death. Scotland looked destined to get their first try of the contest there, but Japan once again held out. It is hard not to admire Eddie Jones's side, who are looking every bit a match for Scotland here. This one could go either way in the coming 40."

Those who aren't in the matchday squad for Japan today have been meeting with their fans. Since their win over South Africa, Japan seem to have become everyone's second team, with the Rugby World Cup's official merchandise store in Oxford Street having to close on Sunday due to overwhelming demand for the team's merchandise:

Non members responding autographs and pictures at the bench side. #JapanWay #RWC2015 #rugbyjp pic.twitter.com/carwnk3kdt — Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) September 23, 2015

Japan coach Eddie Jones insisted that if his side were still in the match at half time then they would win, citing Scotland's tendency to score more in the first half than the second half, while also insisting that his side are fitter.

The players are making their way back out ready for the start of the second half.

RESTART! Finn Russell kicks of the second half at Kingsholm.

Japan are on the charge straight away with Mafi charging forward before trying to chip the ball to Fukuoka, but Russell just manages to get to it first for Scotland.

There's an injury concern for Japan as Mafi calls the medics over for some attention, seemingly grabbing around the top of his calf and the back of his knee. The number eight is such a big player for Japan. If he has to go off so early in the second half it would be a huge blow.

With some strapping in place above his knee, it looks like he'll be alright to continue for now. If it is a knee problem, there's a huge test waiting for it, as Scotland have a scrum.

Scotland get the ball away for a lineout, but Ross Ford's long delivery it goes straight over the top of everyone, and into the waiting hands of Leitch. The Japan captain offloads it to Mafi, who sprints away. There's certainly nothing wrong with him now! He's stopped just short, but Japan keep the move alive.

There's an offside by Scotland, but the referee lets the play go on, with Tatekawa chipping it forward for himself, but Laidlaw stops him getting the try, so it will come back for the penalty attempt.

It looks like the run from Mafi was a step too far, as he's down in agony again and a stretcher is being brought out. It's a sad way for the number eight's day to end, as he has been brilliant so far, making some impressive runs and scoring the only try of the match so far. He's receiving oxygen now too. It doesn't look good for Mafi at all.

Mafi is just being placed on the stretcher. Japan do have a 10-day break after this match, but it looks like it could be quite a serious injury for the number eight. He receives a standing ovation as he comes off.

Goromaru eventually gets to take his penalty once his stricken teammate is removed from the pitch, cutting the gap to just two points. Japan quickly have the ball again, with Michael Broadhurst winning the ball, but Scotland soon force the turnover.

It's a debut Scotland try for New Zealand-born John Hardie, who only made his debut for the country last month. He tries to power his way down the left before flicking it back to Scott. Lamont gets the ball and dives for the line, but he's tackled short. Hardie gets the ball back moments later though, and surges across in the corner. Laidlaw misses the resulting conversion though.

Japan almost respond down the other end immediately as Richie Gray, who has come on as a replacement for Scotland, times his jump all wrong looking to haul in a kick forward, leaving Broadhurst to sprint towards the corner, but he doesn't quite make it.

MISSED PENALTY! Despite not getting the try, Japan do have a chance to go for the posts, which would cut Scotland's lead to four points, but Goromaru's kick hits the inside of the post and comes back out to Laidlaw, who quickly kicks it away from danger.

Richie Gray wins the ball from a lineout, and Scotland look to use it to go for another try, with Hogg making up a lot of territory, but Japan quickly get back to defend.

After Hogg is tackled, Richie Gray and Jonny Gray both get touches before the latter offloads it into the path of the onrushing Bennett, who diagonally to go in under the posts.

The ball is kicked forward for Scotland, with only Matsushima back to deal with the ball, but he just beats Hogg to it to prevent Scotland quickly getting their third try of the match on the board. Leitch and Tatekawa try to work the ball back into Scotland territory, but the Scots are defending hard.

Barney Corkhill reports from Kingsholm:

"Scotland have just taken the game away from Japan a little in the last 10 minutes, with fatigue perhaps beginning to play a part for the Brave Blossoms. You can't count them out, though, and one more try and they will be right back in this game."

It's a lung-bursting run from Tommy Seymour to surely put the win beyond doubt for Scotland. Japan are moving the ball around quickly looking to get a try back, but a loose pass is scooped up by Seymour, and he runs it from inside Scottish territory to add the third try of the match for Scotland.

Laidlaw ensures that Scotland make the most of Harumichi Tanaka's wayward pass as he comfortably adds the extra two points to lead Scotland three converted tries clear. They will be wanting at least one more try though, as a fourth would secure a bonus point.

That's the bonus point! It's a second try of the afternoon for Mark Bennett, who makes a superb run, weaving around Ito before stretching the ball over the line while being brought down by Matsushima.

With the result assured, both sides are making a string of replacements, which is just disrupting the flow of the match a little, but Scotland soon get back on the charge, with Laidlaw and Ryan Grant both surging forward. They obviously think that there could be a fifth try on the cards.

Barney Corkhill provides a further update from Kingsholm:

"It is all falling apart for Japan now. It was always going to be tough for them to follow up that South Africa win today, and they simply haven't been able to cope with Scotland in this second half. Vern Cotter's men now have the bonus point and this has gone just about as well as they could have hoped for here."

Finn Russell celebrates his birthday with his second international try, quickly leaping over after a scrum. Japan had tried to wheel the scrum to get the ball back, but Laidlaw just about got possession in time to pass to Russell, who had to dodge a tackle before leaping over.

Hiwasa and Sa'u pass the ball around as they try to force a late consolation for Japan, but Leitch loses the ball a couple of moments later.

Hiwasa and Mikami are really piling the pressure on for Japan as they try to make the scoreline a little more respectable in the final moment, but Richie Gray and Mark Bennett are there to block then, before Denton brings down Broadhurst as he tries to charge through.

Hiwasa gets the ball to Leitch, but a pass from the captain is intercepted. However, there was an offside, so Japan will get one final chance. A knock on prevents Eddie Jones's side from reaching the try line though.

So, two tries from Mark Bennett help Scotland secure want turned out to be a fairly comfortable win over Japan. The hosts of the next Rugby World Cup certainly put up a good fight in the first half, but the effort of beating South Africa at the weekend took its toll after the break, allowing Vern Cotter's side to clinically see out the win.

Japan have 10 days off now, before returning to action to face Samoa at stadium:mk next weekend. Japan have just four days to wait for their next outing though, as they travel to Elland Road on Saturday for a meeting with the USA.

Barney Corkhill sums up the action from Kingsholm:

"Five tries, the win and a bonus point to boot - that makes for a very successful day for Scotland. A lot of people were expecting a much tougher test for Vern Cotter's side, but they just ran away with it in that second half."

So, that's all from this match for now, but stick around as Barney will be speaking to some of the players shortly. You can find all of our exclusive content from the Rugby World Cup here. In the meantime, Australia are about to get their campaign underway against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium, and our live coverage is already underway. Thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.