Max Evans is out with a hamstring injury, opening the door for his 19-year-old Glasgow club-mate.

"Ruaridh is a talented player and is up to speed with all the calls we have," said coach Stephen Gemmell.

The hosts, eager to reach the semi-final stage, face South Africa, Russia and Canada in Pool C.

"Realistically we want to win that section because if you do it makes the cross-over easier," said Gemmell.

"It'll be difficult but we believe we've got a team that can beat all them and if we do that it'll give us an interesting cross-over on day two.

"Realistically we want to be in the Cup quarter-final, which means finishing top two in your pool.

"When you play one of these top countries it's about what you do, rather than on their side what they're doing."

Fiji lead the way in the standings with 120 points, ahead of New Zealand who are 10 points adrift, with Samoa four points further back.

Scotland are ninth, having been overtaken by Wales following the Twickenham leg of the 2006-07 series.