Scotland

Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has admitted his dreams have come true after being picked to face Japan on Wednesday.

Scotland head coach Vern Cotter will put out a near first-choice line-up as he looks to avoid becoming the second side to slip up against World Cup shock troops Japan.

Japan have moved above their next World Cup opponents Scotland in rugby union's official world rankings.

Stuart Hogg admits he has had to ask his veteran Scotland colleagues if he should tone down his playful high-jinks - before he gets on their nerves.

Skipper Greig Laidlaw believes Scotland must to stop their hearts ruling their heads if they are to make a success of their World Cup campaign.

Scotland scrum-half Sam Hidalgo-Clyne has admitted he does not know what to expect ahead of his first World Cup experience - but he aims to be as prepared as possible.

Glasgow hooker Kevin Bryce has replaced Stuart McInally in Scotland's World Cup squad.

Scotland assistant coach Matt Taylor reckons John Hardie is on the road to becoming a fans' favourite.

Murrayfield will host this season's Guinness pro12 final.

Mark Bennett has backed centre-partner Alex Dunbar to return stronger than ever after injury left his World Cup dream in tatters.

Controversial Scotland call-up John Hardie will be given the chance to justify his selection after being named in the side which faces France in Paris on Saturday.

Vern Cotter never gave the potential for a public backlash a second thought as he handed New Zealand-born John Hardie a controversial World Cup call-up.

Vern Cotter has confirmed neither Blair Cowan or John Barclay will live out their World Cup dream after controversially axing both from his 31-man squad.

Scotland wing Sean Lamont is refusing to contemplate reaching his century of caps at the World Cup - because he fears he may not even make Vern Cotter's squad.

John Barclay will make his first Scotland start since November 2013 after being named in the team to face Italy in Saturday's third World Cup warm-up clash at Murrayfield.

Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson has signed a new five-year contract.

Greig Laidlaw will captain Scotland in their third World Cup warm-up match.

Seven Scotland players have been told their World Cup dream is over after head coach Vern Cotter released them from his extended training squad ahead of next month's tournament .

Matt Scott admitted he was relieved to see Scotland finally kick-start their 2015 campaign with a win - but insisted he was never worried the Dark Blues' eight-month losing streak would derail their World Cup bid.

Scotland coach Vern Cotter admitted he was pleased to see Scotland finally get back to winning ways - but admitted the Dark Blues will have to improve before the World Cup.