Scotland prop Gordon Reid is savouring every moment of what is likely to be his last Rugby World Cup and says he is relishing the prospect of facing a player whom coach Gregor Townsend described as one of the best tightheads at the tournament.
Reid, 32, has come off the bench in Scotland’s two previous matches in Japan but will start against Russia in Shizuoka. It is a game the Scots must win with a bonus point to give them their best chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
“Their tighthead is a big strong boy and, given an opportunity, he can cause a bit of damage,” Reid said of Kirill Gotovtsev, who had Olympic ambitions as a wrestler and bobsledder before switching to rugby in 2014.
“He’s a bit like myself,” he added, pausing for comedic effect. “In stature.”
Russia have proved tough to break down at the World Cup, with Ireland only securing the crucial bonus point in the final quarter of their match last Thursday.
While Scotland’s meeting with Japan in Yokohama on Sunday is likely to determine which of them goes through to the quarter-finals from Pool A, the players have been at pains to stress how important it was to focus on today’s clash with Russia.
Reid, who is behind Allan Dell in the loosehead pecking order, said he has loved his time with the squad in Japan.
“I just said I wanted to go and have fun, fun in training and spend time with the boys and have a laugh and enjoy my rugby,” added Reid, who has displayed his sense of humour through his social media videos.


Wales forwards
 in best shape
Recharged and refreshed from a long break between Rugby World Cup games, Wales’ forwards have never been more ready for battle as they gear up for their group match against Fiji today, assistant coach Robin McBryde said.
Wales have not been in action since edging Australia in the heavyweight Pool D clash on Sept. 29 and bring a clean bill of health into the match at Oita Stadium as they look to sew up a quarter-final berth.
“We’re in a good place, obviously a 10-day break, so we’ve been able to get recharged,” forwards coach McBryde told reporters at the captain’s run yesterday. 
“From a forwards point of view we’re in a better shape than we ever have been, really.
“Everyone’s fit and well, 18 players, ready to go. We’ve benefited from these days off and are ready for the final push in these big two games.”
Victory over Fiji would guarantee a quarter-final spot, while another win against emerging Rugby nation Uruguay in their final pool game on Oct. 13 would ensure they finish top of the group, securing what should be a kinder route through the quarters.
Warren Gatland’s side are not taking the Fijians lightly, however, and have made only two back row changes from the starting 15 that fended off the Wallabies 29-25.
Loose forward Ross Moriarty has been promoted from the bench and will start at number eight, while James Davies makes his World Cup debut at openside flanker in place of the rested Justin Tipuric.
Wales beat Fiji 23-13 in a pool clash four years ago in the World Cup in England but their defence was often shredded by the fast Fijian backs.
Moriarty missed that pool game but was part of the Gloucester side that mounted a terrific comeback from 18-0 down to beat a touring Fiji team 31-29 in 2012.
“I was fortunate to play for Gloucester ... against Fiji when I was about 18 which was a bit of an eye-opener,” said the 25-year-old.
“Being on this stage now is bigger. I’m just excited to get on the pitch and show everyone what I can do.”