Scotland coach Gregor Townsend says the World Cup’s knockout phase starts on Monday when his team plays Samoa at 12.15pm.
After Japan’s win over Ireland, Scotland know the scramble for playoff places in Pool A is real.
The boss says: “The reality is we now have to win our next three games to make it out of our pool, so the knockout stages for us begin [today].”
He adds of their opponents, who will be without banned duo Rey Lee-lo and Motu Matu’u : “Samoa are a team capable of scoring points from anywhere on the field.
“They play an ambitious brand of rugby and their team is full of skilful and powerful players.”
Of the bans of his players for high tackles, Samoa coach Steve Jackson says: “I’d be lying if I said it hasn’t had any impact. It certainly has, emotionally for the two players."