Scotland's worst injury fears failed to materialise after Finn Russell, John Hardie, Ross Ford and Matt Scott were all passed fit for their critical clash with Samoa.

The Dark Blues can clinch a World Cup quarter-final slot if they beat the Pacific Islanders -- who have no hope of reaching the knock-out rounds -- in Newcastle on Saturday.

And their hopes have been given a significant boost after influential playmaker Russell shook off the ankle knock which kept him out of last weekend's 34-16 loss to South Africa to be named in the starting XV at stand-off.

Finn Russell© David Rogers/Getty Images

Flanker Hardie, who has not featured since the Scots' opener with Japan, has recovered from a head knock, as has hooker Ford and inside centre Scott following the concussions they both sustained in that Springbok defeat.

Stuart Hogg also limped off at St James' Park with cramp but is another who has been given the thumbs up to take on the Samoans in their final Pool D fixture.

In total, head coach Vern Cotter has made four changes to his pack, with another three in the backs.

Cotter said: "Every Test match is a 'must-win' when you represent your country. "We've put in a huge amount of work to get us to this point, and our performances and commitment have put us in a position to qualify for the last eight.

"We'll need to be up to the challenge, enjoy the opportunity, and maintain the awareness needed to play to our strengths and impose our game."

Outside-centre Mark Bennett also returns to partner Scott in midfield, while Hogg becomes the only Scot to start all four group games.

Wing Tommy Seymour and captain Greig Laidlaw are back in the starting line-up, with prop Alasdair Dickinson and flanker Ryan Wilson joining the pack.

Richie Gray will win his 50th cap for his country this Saturday having been reinstated in the second row alongside brother Jonny, while wing Sean Lamont could become just the second Scotland centurion if he makes an appearance off the bench.

If Scotland are successful this Saturday they will face the winner of Pool A -- Australia or Wales -- at Twickenham the following weekend.

Scotland:

Stuart Hogg, Sean Maitland, Mark Bennett, Matt Scott, Tommy Seymour, Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw (captain); alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Willem Nel, Richie Gray, Jonny Gray, Ryan Wilson, John Hardie, David Denton.

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Josh Strauss, Henry Pyrgos, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont.