Richie Gray set to join Scotland squad in Japan after Top 14 exit
Monday 13 June 2016 08:35, UK
Scotland's hopes of maintaining their 100 per cent record over Japan has been given a boost with news that Richie Gray, the giant second row, could play in Saturday's opening Test.
The 6ft 10" second row could be a key player against Japan who traditionally struggle to match the size and power of European teams.
He was late joining the tour squad because of his involvement in the Top 14 play-offs with his club Castres, but their defeat to Montpellier on Sunday means he is now available.
The was not just his last game of the domestic season, but his last game for Castres - he is joining Toulouse next season.
"He is looking forward to it," said Matt Taylor, the Scotland assistant coach as the team prepared for their first training session since arriving in Tokyo.
"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.
"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."
Both teams are already reasonably familiar with each other, having met only nine months ago in the World Cup.
On that occasion, Scotland exploited Japan's exhaustion after beating South Africa only four days earlier and thumped them 45-10.
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Taylor added: "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 are 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."
