Rugby World Cup 2015: Pool B profile – Scotland the brave
The Scots have been at every World Cup but have only made the semi-finals once and failed to get out of their group last time
The 'Auld Enemy' England drew the short straw when it came to the pool stages but, for once, Scotland may just have lucked out. Yes, South Africa will start as overwhelming favourites to win Pool B, but Vern Cotter's men will fancy their chances at taking the second qualifying spot in the group with eminently winnable games against Japan, USA and what will probably turn out to be the key fixture when they face Samoa in their final pool game on 10 October.
The Scots have been in every Rugby World Cup that has taken place. It's high time they made an impact.
Star man: Stuart Hogg
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The one genuine world-class talent in the Scottish side, Hogg managed to shine for his country in this year's disappointing Six Nations campaign, making more metres (442) than any other player. Strong in defence as well, the 23-year-old Hogg was named at full-back in the Team of the Tournament.
One to Watch: Jonny Gray
Like Hogg, Gray was selected in the 2015 XV of the Six Nations after forming a highly potent second-row partnership with elder brother Richie Gray. The Glasgow Warriors star stands 6ft 6in and weighs 19 stone - and he's still just 21.
Coach: Vern Cotter
Another top-grade Kiwi coach plying his trade in foreign fields, Vern Cotter made his name first as the forwards coach at Crusaders and latterly as the coach of Clermont Auvergne in the French Top 14 competition, where he guided them to the title in 2010 and to a runners-up spot in the Heineken Cup in 2013.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Women are getting their own baseball league again
In the Spotlight The league is on track to debut in 2026
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Giant TVs are becoming the next big retail commodity
Under the Radar Some manufacturers are introducing TVs over 8 feet long
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
When will mortgage rates finally start coming down?
The Explainer Much to potential homebuyers' chagrin, mortgage rates are still elevated
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
A World Cup every two years - for football and rugby union?
Pros and Cons Governing bodies of both sports are discussing the option of biennial tournaments
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League 2020-21 predictions and odds: champions, top four, relegation
The Week Recommends A look at what the football media has to say ahead of the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich: Alphonso Davies expects a ‘goalfest’
The Week Recommends Key talking points ahead of the Champions League final
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City’s ‘World Cup’: Pep Guardiola’s team bid for Champions League glory
The Week Recommends Sky Blues prepare for a potential three knockout games in eight days in Portugal
By Mike Starling Published
-
On the prowl for No.16: Tiger Woods is geared up for PGA Championship challenge
The Week Recommends First major of the year will be held behind closed doors at TPC Harding Park
By The Week Staff Published
-
The Players: a big opportunity awaits defending champion Rory McIlroy
The Week Recommends World No.1 golfer aims to become the first back-to-back winner of the PGA Tour’s flagship event
By The Week Staff Published
-
F1 Australian GP finally cancelled after McLaren withdraw
The Week Recommends McLaren team member tests positive for coronavirus
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Premier League: Man United maintain superiority over City
The Week Recommends Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side have beaten City three times this season, and result leaves Liverpool close to title
By The Week Staff Published