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Kobe - Scotland are well aware of the tactical as well as physical challenge ahead of them in their bid to qualify for the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals thanks to assistant coach Danny Wilson's respect for Russia boss Lyn Jones.
The Scots effectively need to take a bonus point off a Russia side guided by experienced Welsh coach Jones on Wednesday if they are to maintain their hopes of getting out of a tightly contested Pool A when they face hosts Japan four days later.
Russia, ranked 20th in the world, may be bottom out of the group and without a win but a physical and committed side have posed problems for all of their opponents at the tournament so far.
Indeed it took Ireland until the fourth quarter of their 35-0 win over Russia in Kobe on Wednesday to score the fourth try that secured a bonus point.
That the Irish often found life frustrating against Russia was no surprise to Wilson, who was on coaching courses with Jones as he worked his way up through the ranks in Wales.
And he said that, with former Ospreys and Dragons coach Jones in charge, there was more to their game than forward power alone.
"I know Lyn pretty well from my time in Wales... Their (Russia's) identity is probably what you expect with Lyn," said former Cardiff Blues head coach Wilson.
"They are a very good defensive team, their contact area defence is a real handful. Knowing Lyn, he will be heavily involved in coaching that.
"Their kicking game is pretty astute as well so they are probably the areas we need to be fully aware of."
Wilson added: "At times they frustrated Ireland and I think they turned them over eight times, and five of those were around the breakdown. So we know what is coming. We have to get the imprint on the game we want."
Reflecting on the time he had spent in Jones's company, Wilson said: "He's great fun, he's got a lot of good stories. He is one of the brains of the game in my opinion.
"I am sure he will have something up his sleeve that we will have to deal with."
Meanwhile Wilson said it was vital Scotland's forwards maintained the form they had shown in a 34-0 win over Samoa, after a lacklustre display in an opening 27-3 loss to Ireland.
"Their tight-head (Kirill Gotovstev) has scrummaged really well... The seven (Tagir Gadzhiev) has been outstanding. We are certainly aware of what's coming and we need to prepare for this fixture in the right way."
