SCOTLAND have received a boost ahead of their first test against Japan as Richie Gray will join the squad today.
The second row was released to play for Castres in their wild-card French Top 14 play-off against Montpellier, but should be in consideration for the opening test on Saturday as he's set to begin training with the national team on Tuesday.
Vern Cotter will name his team on Thursday as the Scots aim to maintain a 100 per cent record against Japan, who they beat only nine months ago in the group stage of the World Cup.
Read more: Taylor aims to build on Six Nations plus points in Japan
Scotland assistant coach Matt Taylor revealed that Gray's condition will be evaluated before the starting 15 is named later this week.
"He is looking forward to it," said Taylor.
"We have not named the team - we will wait to see what mental and physical shape he is in. He has been very good for us lately so depending on how he turns up will determine whether he comes in to consideration.
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"Today's training is not a full-on session in terms of a lot of the contact, more about organisation. We have a hard session on Tuesday, when the bulk of the work will be done, and we hope he [Gray] will be involved in that."
Taylor also revealed that the Scotland team have been looking at Japan's win over Canada at the weekend for an insight into alterations in their game plan since the World Cup.
"We have seen it over and are going over it in a bit detail," he said.
"It is similar to how the Sunwolves have been playing, they are quick to contact, they try to play a high-tempo game.
"There are a few similarities to how Japan played in the World Cup in some of their shapes and that they are trying to keep the ball in hand. They are kicking a wee bit more than they have in the past, so whether they keep that up we are not sure.
"Japan is only one ranking place below us, a very good side. We want to play well and put a marker down.
"We will be looking to go out there and win the game and put in a performance. I imagine both teams will be better for running together the second time around, we will be looking to play well and win."
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