Rugby World Cup 2019: Japan vs Russia result and latest updates after opening fixture in Tokyo
Follow live updates from Tokyo as the 2019 Rugby World Cup gets underway in Japan
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Your support makes all the difference.Japan launched Asia's first Rugby World Cup with a victory the host nation craved as they beat Russia 30-10 at Tokyo Stadium.
Four years after causing the World Cup's biggest shock by beating South Africa, Japan again took centre stage, but they were made to work hard by an unheralded Russian outfit. Russia, making a first appearance on rugby union's global stage since 2011, led for most of the first half following wing Kirill Golosnitskiy's early try, but hat-trick hero Kotaro Matsushima sparked Japan into life.
The elusive wing claimed a try double before the break, then flanker Lappies Labuschagne dealt Russia a major blow by collecting an opportunist touchdown early in the second half.
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51 minutes
Japan rake the ball away at the breakdown, but again knock-on, and this time Russia get the drive going, Valery Morozov getting his shoulder into Asaeli Ai Valu to win the scrum penalty.
Yury Kushnarev kicks brilliantly into the Japan 22. Lineout ten metres from the line.
53 minutes
Japan successfully stall the maul, but here come the Russian forwards, Kirill Gotovtsev prominent as he wrestles to within a metre.
And they've got a penalty...
54 minutes
Nothing comes of the advantage as Japan force Russia away, and Nigel Owens whistles for the straight arm penalty beneath the posts.
A decision to be made. Scrum or points?
Scrum is the option, but Japan are unhappy with their last effort and they make a swap - Isieli Nakajima and Jiwon Koo are introduced at loose and tight head.
Keita Inagaki and Asaeli Ai Valu bow to the crowd as they trot off.
56 minutes
Japan defend the scrum attack well and force an errant pass, but somehow the ball squirms to Kirill Golosniskiy and he's back to within five!
But the next carrier is brought to floor well, and the supporting players fail to clear effectively, with Pieter Labuschagne latching on. The next man dives off his feet to remove the openside flanker - penalty to Japan, and they'll clear their lines.
57 minutes
Japan make a mess of the lineout, and knock on. Russia scrum on the 22. The game has got scrappy again.
59 minutes
Up goes the hoist as Russia lose momentum near halfway, and up goes Vasily Artemyev, too, and the Russian full-back is a fine aerial operator, winning the contest superbly to move Russia into the Japanese 22, where they win a penalty.
Irish-schooled, Artemyev showed some gaelic football skills there, and Yury Kushnarev will kick for the posts.
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