15. Stuart Hogg: 7.5
Shelling a simple catch at a crucial point in the first half indicates why Scotland (perhaps thus far only?) haven’t enjoyed much success against top tier sides.  Otherwise showed what a tremendous player he is, with his break in the lead up to the second Scottish try the best moment of the game.  One of the main attractions of Group B.

14. Tommy Seymour: 7
Interceptions have become a valuable source of points for Scotland and Seymour is the best exponent of the required read.  Chased kicks with endless enthusiasm and might have had another score just before half time.

13. Mark Bennett: 9
A timely first try, and perplexed the Japanese defence for an even better second.  Having fulfilled the significant potential he showed in amateur rugby at Ayr and as a Scotland age-grade player, he continues to get better and better.

12. Matt Scott: 6.5
Still needs game-time for better decision-making and, oddly for a former fly-half, doesn’t really provide the second kicking option from 12.  However, he came into the game in the second half, showed evidence of a growing relationship with Russell, and defended brilliantly against the much-hyped Japanese back division.

11. Sean Lamont: 7
Made significant metres in the first half, often through sheer determination, and provides assurance to what is otherwise a youthful backline.

10. Finn Russell: 7
Occasionally his longer passing lacked pace through the air as in the lead up to Seymour’s chance on half-time.  However, his offload to Scott in the second half was astonishing and his try showed the core strength and elusiveness which has characterised many of his scores for Glasgow.  Lengthy defensive touch-finders helped Scotland out of holes which they appear ever fond of digging.

9. Greig Laidlaw: 8
That he provided the scoring pass for both Hardie and Bennett- the second particularly inventive- shows the guile and variety he brings in the opposition 22.  Goal and box kicking were generally accurate and, while Scotland’s ball-carrying forwards didn’t dominate the game, they didn’t lack for direction from 9.

1. Alasdair Dickinson: 7.5
The scrum was solid, Scotland losing just one on their own feed and winning a number of penalties.  Dickinson’s efforts in defence were also impressive.

2. Ross Ford: 7.5
Only one line-out was lost and Ford carried strongly, leading the tackling stats in the first half.  This was the sort of animated showing we hope to see repeated.

3. WP Nel: 7
Along with Dickinson, anchored the scrum and continued good form from the warm-up matches.  He- and the rest of the front row- are nailed on starters for all big games.

4. Grant Gilchrist: 6
For an astute player, the penalty he conceded which gave Japan the field position to score their only try was a surprisingly dull act.  However, he contributed a turnover in the first-half which lead to a break for Sean Lamont.  Replaced by Gray early on.

5. Jonny Gray: 7
As always, delivered the goods in terms of tackle and rucking stats, and even showed up as a link player in attack.

6. Ryan Wilson: 5.5
The quietest of Scotland’s players, and another who failed to carry to great effect.  However, the collective defensive effort of the back-row was admirable.

7. John Hardie: 9
The game’s outstanding forward with 21 tackles, a try, and rucking of an accuracy that has been lacking since about 2006.  His edge and aggression is invaluable for a team predisposed to a certain physical and psychological softness.  The only people querying his selection in the squad were journalists seeking a story to fill column inches in the excruciatingly long build up to this tournament.

8. David Denton: 7.5
Great efforts in defence despite not quite finding the running lines off Laidlaw and Russell which bring him yards with ball in hand.  A victim of a Japanese tackling style which focuses on shins and knee level, but did achieve valuable yards off the back of some defensive scrums.

Replacements: 6
The replacements contributed to the strong second half showing, although Richie Gray, amongst other more commendable play, gave the impression of being entirely unfamiliar with kick-off receipt procedures.   Josh Strauss made his debut and will surely feature more heavily against the USA.   It would also be interesting to see Henry Pyrgos and/or Hidalgo-Clyne given more game time.

By Charlie King (@CharlescpKing)

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images