Rugby World Cup live stream: How to watch Japan vs Russia online and on TV
The tournament kicks off in earnest on Friday with the opening ceremony
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 2019 Rugby World Cup begins today.
The tournament begins in Tokyo with hosts Japan taking on Russia in the opening game of Group A.
That comes after the opening ceremony, however, which promises to be a celebratory affair as ever and will surely come with one or two surprises too.
Here's everything you need to know ahead of the big kick-off:
When does the tournament start?
The traditional tournament curtain-raiser is the opening ceremony, which is set to begin at about 10.30am on Friday 20 September.
The opening match follows the opening ceremony, with hosts Japan opening the tournament against Russia.
The match will start at 11:45 BST.
Where can I watch in the UK?
You can watch each game on ITV, while Indy Sport will have you covered with live blogs if you're on the move or at your desk. You can also stream the game on mobile devices and on your computer via the ITV website.
When will England begin their pursuit of the Webb Ellis trophy?
England kick off their Pool C fixtures against Tonga.
The game will take place on September 22 at 11:15 BST.
Who is playing and what are the pools?
There are 20 teams competing in Japan and they are divided into four pools, with the top two progressing to the quarter-finals.
Pool A: Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Russia, Samoa
Pool B: New Zealand, South Africa, Italy, Namibia, Canada
Pool C: England, France, Argentina, United States, Tonga
Pool D: Australia, Wales, Georgia, Fiji, Uruguay
The favourites
New Zealand 5/4
South Africa 4/1
England 4/1
Ireland 9/1
Wales 9/1
Australia 12/1
France 33/1
Argentina 40/1
Scotland 50/1
Japan 150/1
Latest updates
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
TRY! And Kirill Golosnitskiy collects and scores!
A howler from Will Tupou. He's completely misjudged the flight and is on his heels as he tries to collect, getting only fingertips to it and Russian left win Golosnitskiy is all too happy to gather, power through an attempted tackle and score the first try of the World Cup.
Yury Kushnarev converts. Cat, meet pigeons.
Japan 0-7 Russia
8 minutes
Better from Japan. They get attacking ball for the first time and a couple of broken tackles moves them into the Russian half, and a stab beyond very nearly results in a try down the right wing, with Russia just about getting men back to defuse the situation.
In comes the counter-ruck from Japan, but Russia ride it and clear to just outside their own 22.
And Japan make a hash of the lineout. Scrum, Russia.
9 minutes
Away from the base comes Nilkita Vavilin, and Yury Kushnarev kicks deep to the Japan back three.
10 minutes
Dangerous that, and Japan come and come. Russia's kick defence looks a real weak point, with a lack of organisation in the back three again opening space for a prod behind, and Japan pour through.
Russia are desperate as Japan win the turnover, and Nigel Owens has his arm out for an obvious offside. Japan go to the corner.
11 minutes
Here come the carriers, Pieter Labuschagne making good metres, and then they go wider...
TRY! What a score! Kotaro Matsushima is in!
Give the credit to outside centre Timothy Lafaele - that is an audacious offload!
He tries to put some footwork on as Japan go out the back, but is well tackled, and goes to floor.
But he keeps his arms free and gets one out the back door, a no-looker from beneath the armpit that tees up a teammate to tip the ball on to Matsushima in space, who hustles in to the corner for the swift Japanese response.
The conversion is missed, but that's a reminder of what Japan are capable of.
Japan 5-7 Russia
15 minutes
Scrum on the right on halfway for Russia, but they opt for an aimless crossfield kick from it, and it sails right into the hands of Matsushima, who takes it down competently under little pressure.
16 minutes
A good box kick from the Russian scrum-half causes a little bit of bother in the Japanese defence but it is that man again who defuses it, Matsushima charging on to a bouncing ball and making ten metres or so.
In play the ball remains. Neither side is looking to kick to touch.
17 minutes
Finally the ball does hop over the white line by virtue of a sliced chip from German Dadydov, who makes ground down the right but elects for something cute rather than taking contact, and it rather goes awry.
A number of the players are blowing, as is referee Nigel Owens - time off, and a few much needed gulps of water and a sweaty Tokyo Stadium.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments