Elland Road, Leeds, kick-off 2.30pm. Live on ITV.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
With their two toughest games to come, Scotland need to back up their win over Japan with another solid victory today - ideally with a bonus point for scoring four tries or more. Any kind of win would take them back to the top of Rugby World Cup Pool B, but in a tight group bonus points could be crucial. The USA, having lost to Samoa in their first match, need a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
This is the second of Scotland’s four games in Rugby World Cup Pool B.
GROUNDS FOR OPTIMISM
Scotland were very solid in both defence and attack against the Japanese, continuing the improvement that was evident throughout the warm-up games. The Americans, by contrast, looked leaden-footed and unimaginative against Samoa.
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
Japan showed against Scotland how tough it is to play a second Test match four days after a first. Scotland have more flair and ability than the US, but do they have the stamina to get rid of a team who have eight days to recover from their first match?
KEY CONTEST
The back-row battle. Scotland’s only out-and-out No 7 in the squad, John Hardie, has been ruled out through injury and been replaced by Ryan Wilson, who has a big role to play in containing the menace of Samu Manoa.
TACTICAL BATTLE
Scotland will try to vary their point of attack, as they now have a back line capable of scoring from any area of the pitch. At the same time, they will want to contain the Americans’ dangerous wingers by closing down their space out wide.
PREDICTION
Scotland 33 USA 14
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