Stuart Hogg says he cannot wait for Scotland's World Cup opener

Stuart Hogg has said he cannot wait for Scotland's Rugby World Cup opener against Japan next Wednesday.

The full-back has admitted he has asked his veteran Scotland colleagues if he should tone down his playful high-jinks - before he gets on their nerves.

The 23-year-old is one of the youngest members of Vern Cotter's 31-man squad and is eager for his first taste of tournament action in Gloucester. He has confessed his over-excitedness around the team's Tewkesbury base ran the risk of irritating his team-mates.

Rather than risk a row, though, Hogg has turned to old stagers such as Ross Ford and Sean Lamont, who have competed in the World Cup before, for advice on what antics he can get away with.

"I feel like I'm stepping into the unknown. It's my first big tournament and I'm trying to learn off the boys who've been to one before," he said.

"This is my first World Cup and as you can probably tell I'm really excited. I'm just massively excited. I just can't wait to get out there now."

Unfortunately for Hogg, he may have to wait a little while longer for his introduction to the tournament. 

He appeared at last month's squad announcement wearing a protective boot after sustaining an injury during the warm-up clash with Italy at Murrayfield. He is back running freely now but Cotter may decide to rest him for a few more days rather than risk him against Eddie Jones' side in the Pool B opener.

Losing Hogg would be a significant blow, but the player himself is refusing to give up hope of making the Kingsholm clash.

This is my first World Cup and as you can probably tell I'm really excited. I'm just massively excited. I just can't wait to get out there now

He said: "I want to play in every single game, so if I'm selected to play against Japan that's great. If not I'll just continue to work hard and hopefully get the starting jersey next time."

Scotland have won all four of their encounters with Japan, but will not be taking ex-Wallabies coach Jones' side for granted.

"We can't just expect that a victory will happen for us. We have to get over that try line and do well in defence too," said Hogg.

Team-mate David Denton agreed: "Japan are well coached by Eddie Jones, and the US will be the same. They play a physical game and we can't take either game lightly."