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.
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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.
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