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Scotland got back on track against Samoa on Monday, giving Gregor Townsend great encouragement after an opening defeat.
Pool A remains wide open at the Rugby World Cup after Scotland beat Samoa to join their opponents and Ireland on one win from two matches.
Samoa are without two men due to suspension against Scotland but Steve Jackson believes the setbacks are motivating factors.
Japan were knocked out of the 2015 Rugby World Cup having lost to Scotland, and Jamie Joseph fears a repeat despite beating Ireland.
Henry Pyrgos has replaced Ali Price in Scotland's Rugby World Cup squad, after the scrum-half was ruled out of the rest of the tournament.
Gregor Townsend bemoaned Scotland's sluggish start in their loss to Ireland as he admitted to concern over the injured Hamish Watson.
Ireland downed Scotland in their Rugby World Cup opener and should have Johnny Sexton available for next weekend's second Pool A game.
Rory Best began his final Rugby World Cup campaign with a try as Ireland accelerated away from Scotland en route to an opening win.
Johnny Sexton and Rory Best led the way as Ireland's thumping win over Scotland affirmed their credentials as Rugby World Cup challengers.
Johnny Sexton was taken off with injury against Scotland earlier this year and Gregor Townsend's men intend to get physical again.
The enthusiasm of Jordan Larmour, Andrew Conway and Jacob Stockdale can spur Ireland on against Scotland, according to Joe Schmidt.
Scotland's side to face Ireland in their Rugby World Cup opener features 10 changes from the win over Georgia.
Keith Earls and Rob Kearney have been left out of Ireland's Rugby World Cup Pool A clash with Scotland amid fitness concerns.
Gavin Hastings believes Stuart McInally brings an explosive element to Scotland and will be key in their World Cup campaign.
Despite suffering a hamstring problem in training, Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw will not be heading home early from Japan.
Gregor Townsend may count the cost of injuries from Scotland's final Rugby World Cup warm-up victory over Georgia.
