Having produced surely the biggest shock in Rugby World Cup history - perhaps even rugby history full stop - against South Africa in their opening match of the 2015 tournament, the eyes of the sporting world were set on Japan as they looked to back that famous result up at the Kingsholm Stadium this afternoon.
However, it was Scotland who stole the show in Gloucester, running in five second-half tries to emerge 45-10 victors and catapult themselves to the top of Pool B as a result.
It was a dream start for Vern Cotter's side, and fly-half Finn Russell had more reason than most to celebrate having rounded off the scoring with a try on his World Cup debut and 23rd birthday.
After the match, the Glasgow Warriors half-back spoke to Sports Mole about the team's performance, the importance of getting a bonus point, and sending a message to their Pool B rivals.
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Congratulations Finn! How would you rate the team's performance today?
"The team played really well. First half it was hard work. The forwards had to go through a lot of phases and we didn't really get into our stride like we wanted to. I think we should have scored just before half time - I probably should have thrown the pass to [Stuart Hogg] rather than go for the miss, but I guess these things happen.
"In the second half we came out and didn't really get into gear again for the first five, 10 minutes. We made a couple of breaks up the middle, but once we got into the structure that we needed to get into, started throwing the ball about, you saw how dangerous the backs are and what we can do so it was pleasing to have that."
You streaked clear of Japan with those five tries in the second half - did you feel that they were tiring after such an exertion of physical and emotional energy just four days ago against South Africa?
"It was a tough game, especially for the forwards. They had a lot of time when [Japan] were on the front foot, but our defence held strong and I think both teams were tiring a bit. We got a lot of front-foot ball and our backs stepped up and helped the forwards in the second half, and I think that's what got us the win."
While it was close until the final half an hour or so, you eventually ran out 35-point winners. Does such a convincing victory over a team who have just beaten the Springboks send out a message to the rest of the nations at this World Cup?
"It's a great start to the tournament. Bonus point, I think it was 45 points for us, so that's a brilliant start to the tournament. We just got the job done and got out of there. We did what we had to do, so it was good to start strong like that."
Japan actually started this match above Scotland in the world rankings after the South Africa result - with that in mind, was this perhaps a little easier than you were expecting?
"I think the scoreline doesn't reflect the game. It was such a tight game, especially the first 50 minutes. Obviously the last 30 minutes we ran away with it with a few tries, but it was a very tough game.
"A few boys are a bit bruised, so we'll try to sort them out ahead of the next game. I definitely wouldn't say it was an easy game. The scoreline doesn't reflect quite how hard it was."
How important was it to get that bonus point with Pool B wide open right now?
"At half time we were only looking at getting the win. That was the main thing, just coming here and getting the win, but then we got one try and then Mark [Bennett] went through twice quickly and we started thinking we could push. I think there was 15 minutes left, let's try to get a bonus point.
"Then we managed to get another when Tommy [Seymour] intercepted and we managed to get a couple of tries in the last 15 minutes. I think we mentioned after the third try that we wanted the bonus point, but even then you are only a few tries ahead so they can come back so easily into the game."
Scotland's next match sees them take on USA in Leeds on Sunday, before facing both South Africa and Samoa in Newcastle.
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