Scotland coach Bryan Easson has welcomed the chance for his team to play against different styles of opponents after they were drawn to meet Japan, hosts South Africa and the United States in the new WXV2 tournament in October.
The first round of games will be held in Stellenbosch, while rounds two and three will take place in Cape Town. Italy and Samoa will also play against Scotland’s three opponents, with final placings in a mini-league decided on points.
“It’s really exciting to play against teams that you traditionally don’t play against too often," Easson said. "We’ve got three fantastic teams as our opponents and it’s a great opportunity to test ourselves against different playing styles that are outside of our usual Six Nations counterparts.
“We played Japan two years ago when the red card they received changed the momentum and we were able to secure a 36-12 win. We played [and won] two Tests in Cape Town back in 2019 against South Africa and they have made huge inroads since then.
"We played [and lost to the USA] in August last year and we were disappointed in the result, so we will be raring for the challenge to really test ourselves against them once again.”
WXV1, to be held in New Zealand, includes England, France, Wales, Australia, Canada and the hosts. Ireland are in WXV3, which will be held in Dubai, along with Kenya, Fiji, Colombia, Kazakhstan and Spain.
WXV2 (All kick-offs British time)
Sat 14 October: Italy v Japan (1pm), Scotland v South Africa (3.30pm). Sun 15: USA v Samoa (tbc).
Sat 21: USA v Scotland (1pm), Italy v South Africa (3.30pm). Sun 22: Japan v Samoa (3pm).
Sat 28: Japan v Scotland (1pm), South Africa v Samoa (3.30pm). Sun 29: USA v Italy (4pm).
