Scotland got off to a flying start , scoring first. Stafford McDowall’s defensive work secured Scotland a scrum inside their own 22, which then saw Jamie Dobie break down the blindside, before Reed earned Scotland a penalty which was used to set the Scots up for a lineout on the five-metre line.

That was much more like it from Scotland. Well-behaved in defence, clinical in attack. Who needs Huwipulotu when you have Stafford McDowall and Rory Hutchinson?

Scotland will field the two forwards who are to join the British & Irish Lions in Friday’s test against Samoa at Eden Park in Auckland, coach Gregor Townsend said on Wednesday.

Scotland's bid to make amends at the Rugby World Cup after the drubbing by Ireland got a whole lot easier after Samoa was struck down by personnel problems.

The game will be shown live by subscription broadcaster Premier Sports, with coverage getting underway at 8.30am on Premier Sports 2. Premier Sports is available in the UK on Sky, Virgin, STV Player and Amazon Prime.

The handicap is set at around the 17-point mark in Scotland's favour, and although that looks a little high given the talent Scotland are missing to the British & Irish Lions, it's hard to see Samoa battling as hard as Fiji did. Therefore, backing a Scotland win by 11 to 20 points could be the best approach.