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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I mean, I know I've been in Japan for four days now, but safe to say my knowledge of Japanese history and culture is somewhat limited. Please bear with me...
Two dancers dressed in oversized robes are the focus of the performance now as a miniature sized mountain slowly rises from the centre. I know this one! That’s Mount Fuji. GCSE geography coming into good use here.
They're introducing the 20 different nations now, with each one represented by a small group of children. No guesses for which country drew the largest cheer.
All 20 groups have now broken out into a rendition of 'World in Union' as footage from past World Cups is beamed onto Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji rapidly dissolves to reveal a plinth, atop of which is standing Richie McCaw himself with the Webb Ellis Cup in both hands. He raises it above his head to draw a thunderous roar from the crowd. He's loving it. We're loving it. More of the same!
BOOM! Up go the pyrotechnics. A slight pause in proceedings as we get ready for the next stage of the ceremony.
Now for some words. One of the World Rugby chiefs is currently giving a speech to the crowds. "Time to make history," he says.
Rather than repeating everything that's being said word-for-word, here's some footage from the ceremony to enjoy:
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