Duncan Weir says Scotland fully respect Japan ahead of World Cup clash

Scotland’s Duncan Weir insists they were always going to take next week’s match against Japan seriously, even before the Brave Blossoms pulled off rugby's giant-killing act of all time with a sensational victory over South Africa.

Karne Hesketh's last-gasp try sealed a 34-32 victory over the Springboks and Japan next face the Scots in Gloucester on Wednesday.

And stand-off Weir says Scotland fully respect the Japanese, saying: "We have been talking as a group and we all understood that Japan are a growing nation and they have been playing some really good rugby. So it's not really a surprise in our camp.

"The way they played and the intensity they brought to their attack and defence was outstanding.

The intensity they brought to their attack and defence was outstanding.

"They probably caught the Springboks a wee bit by surprise but they merited that victory because they put in a very good performance.

"So we'll be taking them very seriously. As you saw, the value of that first World Cup result is going to give the Japanese squad a massive boost rolling into their second game and our first.

"And we always knew this Japan game was going to be a huge test for us. Maybe people are now realising that. You should be wary of a team that beats the Springboks."

Scotland have never lost to Japan who were beaten 42-17 when the teams last met.

Japan have a current world ranking of 13, three lower than Scotland.