Rugby World Cup hosts Japan beat stubborn Russia thanks to Kotaro Matsushima hat-trick
Never mind concerns about Japan’s ability to host a Rugby World Cup. Any reservations on that front were answered long ago. What mattered for the 45,745 crowd was to see in the flesh the ability of the Brave Blossoms not just to win on such a high-profile stage but to play with the sort of conviction and flair that would trouble the Big Boys, the top eight brotherhood of the knockout stages. That is Japan’s stated goal, to transcend their plucky underdog tag of Brighton four years ago and have enough poise, enough punch and enough precision to trouble the likes of Ireland (whom they meet in Shizuoka on Saturday) or Scotland later in the pool, to make the miraculous of 2015 into the norm of 2019.
On this evidence Japan have plenty of zip and relish in their game, some lovely off-loading skills with centre Timothy Lafalele to the fore and potency out wide in wing, Kotaro Matsushima, who scored a hat-trick, had a fourth disallowed and sent shivers through the Russian defence every time the ball went near him. Fittingly the poster boy of the evening touched down for the all-important fourth bonus-point try in the 69thminute.
In that regard, it was an upbeat outcome for Japan. And yet. It was not a complete performance by Japan, not a word-perfect audition for the grand stage. This was Russia in opposition, admirably defiant though they were, gutsy and heartfelt in all that they did, they are rank outsiders and Japan laboured at times to subdue them, to deal with their spirited resistance.
Japan still carry the air of a side striving rather than arriving, are still too frantic, too rushed, too vulnerable when they come under pressure. They were woeful under the high ball, out-of-position entirely never mind having butter fingers. The likes of Johnny Sexton would send them into therapy if they continue to perform like that, twisting, turning and tormenting them at will.
You have to factor in first-night nerves, of course, but even so. If you can’t handle the kicking game at elite level, you will forever be an also-ran, full of pluck and sprightliness but lacking composure and assurance. It was a high ball horror story for Japan. Full-back, Will Tupou, will be fretting in his sleep for many a day after his 5th minute howler let in Russia wing, Kirill Golosnitsky, for a soft try, the quickest ever scored in a RWC opener. Japan were pretty dreadful, too, at restarts, even fluffing the take from the tournament’s inaugural kick-off.
Japan should welcome the criticism for it means that they are being judged by elevated criteria. The benchmark has to be set high. As their former coach, Eddie Jones, has said, repeating Brighton is not good enough. They have to dream big, have to back it up with something better or it becomes a one-off curiosity rather than an important staging post for the future.
A new star, though, has risen in the East, Kataro Matsushima with his lovely balance, fast-twitch acceleration and a voracious appetite for the try-line. The 26 year old scored three, had a fourth disallowed and ignited a roar every time the ball went near him. Matsushima, born in South Africa to Japanese parents, will be a billboard figure in the coming days, a star-turn that draws the eye and gives the country great hope. On the night, he was a finisher par excellence, scoring Japan’s first ever hat-trick in a World Cup, a notch on the belt to show the grandchildren.
Matsushima had a receptive audience. It was a lively, lovely backdrop, stands packed with raucous, engaged people, all kitted out in red-and-white, all connected, all eager-and-willing to make sure this World Cup is a triumph.
Matsushima reflects this multi-ethnic Japan squad, 16 of whom were born outside the country, a pointer to the future as this conventionally homogenous race look outward towards the future. By one measure, all Japan’s try-scorers had a South African tone to them as Matsushima’s birthplace is Pretoria while the other man on the scoresheet has a more readily identifiable connection, Pieter Labuschange, who touched down in the 48th minute.
Matsushima is well travelled, having returned to Japan to be schooled before becoming the first player from Japan to be taken on by the Sharks Academy in Durban, later playing Super Rugby for the Waratahs in Australia. He plays with the boldness of one who has been nurtured in the more expansive climes of Super Rugby, forever alert, always on the look-out for possibility, in the right place at the right time as he showed when rounding off a splendid sequence in the 12th minute, Lafaele’s off-load a thing of beauty, and again just before half-time, taking advantage this time of Ryoto Nakamura’s flick-on pass. His hat-trick try was suitably full of brio for he cuts quite a dash on the field, Matsushima targeting his man and zipping round. It was a bravura performance.
Of course the match was only one part of the occasion, an affirmation of the Japanese spirit that was reflected in an evocatively-choreographed Opening Ceremony. It was brief but all-embracing, reflecting these ever-welcoming, ever-obliging people. Sumo, baseball and football will continue to dominate the sporting agenda but rugby has at the very least given those big boys a nudge in the ribs.
It was the crowd thrilling to the sight of Matsushima stretching his legs, weaving and diving for glory, that stuck in the memory. No wonder they rose to him and to the Brave Blossoms, staying long after the final whistle to salute their heroes as they did a turn of the ground. Matsushima has made them believe that anything is possible. For one night at least.
Match details
Japan: Tupou; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Lemeki; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Valu; Van der Walt, Moore; Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno. Replacements: Sakate, Nakajima, Ji-won, Thompson, Tui, Tanaka, Matsuda, Yamanaka
Tries: Matsushima 3 (11, 38, 68), Labuschagne (46)
Conversions: Tamura, Matsuda
Penalties: Tamura 2 (43, 64)
Russia: Artemyev; Davydov, Ostroushko, Gerasimov, Golosnitskiy; Kushnarev, Dorofeev; Morozov, Selskii, Gotovtsev, Ostrikov, Fedotko, Zhivatov, Gadzhiev, Vavilin. Replacements: Matveev, Polivalov, Bitiev, Garbuzov, Sychev, Perov, Gaisin, Sozonov
Try: Golosnitskiy (4min)
Conversion: Kushnarev
Penalties: Kushnarev.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Attendance: 45, 7454
Man of the match Kotaro Matsushima
After becoming the first ever Japanese player to score a hat-trick at a Rugby World Cup, the first @mastercard Player of the Match for #RWC2019 is Kotaro Matsushima #StartSomethingPriceless#JPNvRUS#POTMpic.twitter.com/Ouuku94m28
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2019
Russia captain Vasily Artemyev
�� "Huge huge effort from all the players today"@russiarugby captain Vasily Artemyev on his side's opening 30-10 loss to hosts Japan at Rugby World Cup 2019 #RWC2019#JPNvRUSpic.twitter.com/kzuwjYzkZc
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2019
Post-match debrief
Russia made it immensely difficult for Japan at times, but it was clear that the hosts were the better side. Russia arrived intending to stifle Japan, to slow them down at every opportunity and attack them in the tight areas. It was a tactic that often worked, and a half-time scoreline of 12-7 reflected that, with Japan often unable to deal with Russia's propensity of putting boot to ball.
But in space, Japan were deadly, and that man Matsushima made sure the result was beyond doubt.
Will they be disappointed not to have secured a losing bonus point? Perhaps, considering this was a Russia team that came into the tournament on the back of losses to Championship Jersey and Pro14's Connacht. But they rose to the occasion better than most expected and did make it difficult for Japan, so they will surely be happy with the win.
Man of the match
Unsurprisingly, that goes to Japan's hat-trick wing, Kotaro Matsushima.
Full time: Japan 30 Russia 10
Russia win the lineout before Zhivatov comes around the corner on a bruising charge.
But Russia can't complete the attack and Matsuda intercepts! He is well shepherded, however, and nudges the ball voluntarily into touch.
Japan will take the win.
80 min: Japan 30 Russia 10
Davydov carries off first-phase possession but Himeno is penalised at the breakdown, so Russia kick to the Japan 22.
This will be last play.
79 min: Japan 30 Russia 10
Japan clear up to halfway through a stunning Matsuda kick - they still believe that territory is best but time is running out.
And they steal the lineout!
But they knock on at the back of the lineout and they only have one minute left to bag an extra point.
Credit to Russia who have not rolled over.
77 min: Japan 30 Russia 10
Russia clear straight to Japan as Matsushima tries to launch a counter-attack.
But the hat-trick hero can't control, and Russia will have a scrum on halfway. Kushnarev kicks to the corner, pinning Japan back into their 22.
Japan's chances of a bonus point are dying out here, thanks to a stubbord Russian defensive effort.
75 min: Japan 30 Russia 10
Yamanaka scythes through for Japan after they steal the Russian lineout. He gets into the Russia 22 but there is a knock-on at the base and so Russia will put in to the scrum.
Nakajima, Japan's replacement prop, looks like a cracking player. A dynamic brute of a ball-carrier, but he has good skills, too.
73 min: Japan 30 Russia 10
Russia aren't finished yet though and it's that man Gadzhiev again. Russia seem to be treading water on halfway, but Kushnarev puts an up-and-under up that Davydov chases superbly, and his offload almost finds a rampaging Gadzhiev but the flanker cannot control.
Japan will have to go from deep to look for this fourth try. They decide territory is best, however, and kick up to halfway.
71 min: CON MATSUDA Japan 30 Russia 10
A great strike puts the result beyond doubt, and now Japan will push for the fourth try and the bonus point.
That's Japan's first ever World Cup hat-trick.
69 min: TRY MATSUSHIMA Japan 28 Russia 10
Japan come straight back, however, through Lemeki down the left. They box-kick wonderfully, turning Artemyev, whose kick in response is atrocious. His whole team are offside and, as soon as Japan shift the ball to the openside, Matsushima has too much pace for them all and bags his hat-trick.
68 min: Japan 23 Russia 10
Japan box kick and Artemyev cannot control, so Japan have the scrum on their own ten-metre line.
The scrum is solid and Japan look to attack into space, but Russia do some great work on the floor, and win their ninth turnover.
66 min: Japan 23 Russia 10
Japan find some fluidity from the restart; the replacement front-row combining well as they hunt for a third try to put them in contention for the bonus point.
They eventually put boot to ball, however, and Artemyev is halted in his tracks once again.
Dorofeev box kicks towards the Japan 22 and Matsushima allows it to roll into touch.
64 min: PEN TAMURA Japan 23 Russia 10
A thumping, pin-point strike from Tamura who has been sublime off the tee throughout the whole of 2019.
Better off the tee than out of hand, a cynic (not me) might add...
63 min: Japan 20 Russia 10
Russia only clear the restart as far as Himeon who blasts back up to halfway. It's too static though, and Tamura opts to kick. It's a horrible slice that is taken superbly by Leitch.
Gadzhiev is penalised for not staying on his feet, however, so Japan will have a penalty on the Russia 10-metre line.
Tamura will have a shot at goal; it's by no means a given.
60 min: PEN KUSHNAREV Japan 20 Russia 10
Russia get themselves back in the game after a much-improved ten minutes.
59 min: Japan 20 Russia 7
Russia build a muscular attack from slow ball from the scrum, but are frequently repelled. Gadzhiev bursts well, before Kushnarev puts a high bomb up, which is taken by Artemyev inside the Japan 22.
Van der Walt did not roll away, however, and Kushnarev will have a penalty in front of the sticks to close the gap to 10.
57 min: Japan 20 Russia 7
Japan have brought two fresh props on for this scrum (Nakajima and Koo).
The ball goes loose from the scrum and Matsushima hacks downfield, but only as far as Golosnitskiy, who gets to within two metres of the line as he jinks his way through.
Russia pick and go through Gadzhiev but Labuschagne is over the ball on his own line and is awarded a penalty for holding on by Nigel Owens.
You sensed that was Russia's chance, as Japan clear up field. But Japan knock the lineout on, before Gadzhiev cuts a menacing line and knocks on, too. Russia have a scrum just outside the Japan 22.
54 min: Japan 20 Russia 7
What a kick from Kushnarev! From his own 10-metre line he's put his team to within 10 metres of the Japanese line.
Russia try a lineout move which gets them on the front foot through Fedotko. The forwards pick and go to within a metre of the Japan line.
Japan are caught offside and off their feet (take your pick) and Russia will have a penalty under the Japanese posts, and they have elected to scrum.
No warning from Nigel Owens even though the offence was on the Japan line. Hmm...
51 min: Japan 20 Russia 7
Russia secure the set-piece and Vavilin carries well from the base, but Leitch turns the ball over.
There are some silky, lightning hands that follow from the Japan backs but Tupou's through-the-legs effort is too audacious and the ball drifts forward.
A reprieve for Russia on their own 10-metre line.
And the Russians win a penalty from the resultant scrum. A positive for them, finally.
49 min: Japan 20 Russia 7
Tupou runs a incisive line off the restart before Tamura puts boot to ball again.
Davydov gets nowhere near the kick and Lafaele is away but he cannot find any support with his offload and the ball skids into touch.
This has been one-way traffic in the second half.
48 min: MISSED CON TAMURA Japan 20 Russia 7
An uncharacteristic miss from Tamura but Japan are rocking now. Russia have to score next otherwise I fear we might see a rout.
46 min: TRY LABUSCHAGNE Japan 20 Russia 7
Lemeki carries the restart back to Russia aggressively before Tamura puts a high bomb up which is taken by Matsushima on the Japan ten-metre line.
Nagara box kicks again, collected well by Artemyev, but he is absolutely hammered by an onrushing Japanese defender.
Russia attempt to launch an attack from halfway. Dorofeev kicks terribly but Davydov sweeps well.
But Labuschagne rips the ball clean from Ostrikov in the next phase and he has an uncontested run to the line.
44 min: PEN TAMURA Japan 15 Russia 7
Very comfortable for Tamura and it's the perfect start for the hosts.
44 min: Japan 12 Russia 7
Nakamura carries dynamically from first phase and Gerasimov cannot roll away. Japan point the sticks and Tamura will try and increase the hosts' lead to eight.
42 min: Japan 12 Russia 7
Japan get us underway and Himeno is straight back into the thick of it following Russia's clearance, with a thumping carry.
Tamura chips over and it's a horrible bounce for Russia but Dorofeev sweeps back immaculately for Russia.
He gets back to his feet and clears well. But Japan go quickly!
Matsushima finds Lafaele and it looks dangerous. Russia attempt to turn the ball over but they knock on in the process and Japan will have the put-in well inside the Russian half.
Something you might have missed...
That's the fastest try in any @rugbyworldcup opening game, beating Israel Dagg's score in 10m 39s for @AllBlacks v @officialTongaRU in 2011.
— Stuart Farmer (@Stu_Farmer) September 20, 2019
Timothy Lafaele
Despite Matsushima scoring two tries, Japan's outside centre has been the difference here.
More offloads and metres made than anyone else on the field. And he's carried over the gain line more times (5) than anyone else, too.
Here's one of his offloads, but I'm still yet to find footage of his offload for Japan's first try, which will be difficult to beat.
�� Can't stop watching! Beautiful offload from @JRFURugby's Timothy Lafaele #RWC2019#JPNvRUS
Find out where you can watch live at https://t.co/z0BgdPH0sfpic.twitter.com/CJussJ5nqb— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 20, 2019
Half-time score: Japan 12 Russia 7
Japan lead at the break following a half that certainly did not follow the script.
The Russians have defended valiantly, and have looked to exploit a Japanese team that seems shaky under a high ball. Selskii, Gadzhiev, and Davydov have starred for the Russians.
Japan, meanwhile, seem intent on playing the match at a million miles per hour. There have been some stunning offloads - Lafaele's in particular - but they must improve their accuracy. They clearly aim to thrill, but that cannot come at the expense at winning the match. They made nine handling errors in that half.
Matsushima has looked lethal and should have finished his second chance. Leitch has been linking tremendously as ever while the centres - Lafaele and Nakamura - have been a real handful. Himeno at No 8, too, has been thunderous with the ball in his hands.
39 min: CON TAMURA Japan 12 Russia 7
There was a hint of the forward about that Nakamura but the officials are happy.
Tamura converts easily from in front of the posts.
39 min: TRY MATSUSHIMA Japan 10 Russia 7
Moore takes well at the tail as Japan's maul punches well into Russia's 22. Himeon carries well again, so too Leitch, before Nakamura straightens. Russia's scramble defence has been superb, with Gadzhiev prominent.
Japan continue attacking directly through Moore and Horie before unleashing the backs.
Russia blitz well before Nakamura fades to the outside, and a great offload finds Matsushima who goes over unopposed. No problem this time.
36 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Russia secure their own scrum on their line under immense Japanese pressure. Labuschagne charged down Perov but Russia regroup well.
Perov then clears up to the 22 and Japan will come back at them from a lineout as half time approaches.
Nine handling errors in this first half from Japan which, I do not need to tell you, is too high.
35 min: NO TRY Japan 5 Russia 7
It was a tough finish for Matsushima, but he should have got there. He did the hard part - avoiding the touchline - but he fumbled upon grounding.
Lafaele has been immense, incidentally. It was his carry again that freed up Matsushima on the right.
35 min: TRY MATSUSHIMA Japan 10 Russia 7
Lemeki cleans up sloppy lineout ball superbly, beating a couple of Russia forwards in heavy traffic.
Japan pile forward, the centres instrumental, before nice offloading once again sends Matsushima over in the corner.
Touch looks fine but the TMO is checking the grounding.
33 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
It's a pretty lousy kick from Kushnarev but Tupou completely misses the ball (backwards) under no pressure. Japan attempt to build an attack from inside their own half but, after gaining some ground, the accuracy just isn't there and they knock on again.
Russia will have a scrum on their own 10-metre line, but Kushnarev kicks the ball straight out from first phase, so Japan will come again.
Dorofeev is off for a HIA. Perov is on for Russia.
31 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Japan have looked far from convincing under the high ball, and Russia are exploiting that. Russia are more than happy to kick first-phase possession away.
Dorofeev box kicks too long, however, and Japan lauch a counter through Matsushima.
Tumura finds Lafaele who offloads dangerously back to his fly-half as Japan counter up the left.
But they spill the ball again - it was Lafaele following a crunching Russian hit - and Russia will have a scrum just inside their own half, far left.
29 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Russia chip in behind and Gerasimov regathers. He finds his centre partner Ostroushko and one more pass would have sent Davydov over the line.
Japan work back well and slow Russia down, following a strong surge from Vavilin.
Ostroushko can't collect from a crash ball though and knock the ball forward.
Japan clear.
28 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Russia cannot control the ball from first phase, however, and Nagare (the smallest player at the tournament, incidentally) is able to clear to halfway. Russia will throw in again.
26 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Russia attempt to drive themselves out from the scrum but Dorofeev says enough is enough and clears.
Japan will come back at them from the Russia 10-metre line. Van der Walt wins good lineout ball and Japan start an attack. But Vavilin wins a turnover on the floor and Russia are off!
They charge down the field after Vavilin finds Gerasimov. He put a grubber towards Japan's try line for Davydov to chase, but Lemeki was back to save the day.
Japan regroup and clear, but Russia will throw in on Japan's 22.
23 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Slick off-the-top ball gets the dangerous Matsushima straight into the action from first-phase, with Leitch and Nakamura adding some thrust, too.
Japan enter the Russia 22 and Labuschagne breaks away. He thinks he's scored but there were a couple of knock-ons when the ball hit the deck beforehand, so Nigel Owens brings him back.
The cacophony of noise is such that the players are struggling to hear the whistle.
Russia will have a scrum on their own 22.
21 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Japan turn the ball over and kick down field. Artemyev gathers and clears to the halfway line and Japan, through Tupou, go quickly!
Some gorgeous touches from Leitch gives Japan some momentum, but they cannot control the ball and Selskii pounces on it.
Dorofeev box kicks once again and Russia enter the Japanese half. Kushnarev puts another bomb up but Tamura collects well. Russia fly off their feet at the ensuing ruck and Japan can easily clear from the penalty.
18 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
There is more kicking tennis before Kushnarev puts up an ugly high bomb to pin Japan in their 22. Matsushima makes a total horlicks of it, too, and carries the ball into touch.
Russia have the lineout on the Japan 22.
Selskii misses his man again but cleans up well and Russia start an attack on Japan's 22.
16 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Russia try a crossfield kick from first phase but Tamura deals with it well. Japan test Artemyev with a high bomb, but he has little trouble.
Both teams looking to kick often here. And not necessarily for territory.
Dorofeev feigns a box-kick and cunningly sets Davydov down the wing. The Russian wing's chip-and-chase effort is poor, however, and Japan will throw in midway into their own half.
14 min: Japan 5 Russia 7
Japan run riot from the restart, with Himeno carrying ferociously. They didn't take the restart cleanly again, however, so they need to get that sorted.
Himeno cannot control in contact though, and Russia have a scrum on halfway.
13 min: MISSED CON TAMURA Japan 5 Russia 7
Tamura cannot add the extras but that try will give Japan much more confidence.
That pass from Tafaele was sumptuous.
12 min: TRY MATSUSHIMA Japan 5 Russia 7
Japan set up the maul and, following blasts from Leitch and Labuschagne, they feed the backs.
An absolutely outrageous offload from Lafaele leaves Matsushima in acres of space to go over in the corner.
That really was something; the hosts are back.
10 min: Japan 0 Russia 7
Russia clear from the scrum but Japan come straight back through a deft Matsushima kick and chase. Davydov is turned, but he gets back well to clean up. Japan's forwards arrive in numbers, however, and they win a penalty.
Japan kick to the corner, 10 metres from the Russia line.
8 min: Japan 0 Russia 7
Japan come roaring back and, following a chip from Tupou, try-scorer Golosnitskiy gets back to save the day on his own line. Davydov clears and Japan attack from a lineout.
But they knock on and Russia survive. They'll have to negotiate a scrum within their own half, however.
5 min: CON Kushnarev Japan 0 Russia 7
Easy for Kushnarev and the hosts are rocked.
5 min: TRY Golosnitskiy Japan 0 Russia 5
A solid opening scrum from Japan and they clear.
But Russia kick back through Artemyev and there is confusion in the back field, and Golosnitskiy swoops on the loose ball and scores almost unchallenged.
No one expected this!
3 min: Japan 0 Russia 0
But it's an overthrow from Selskii, who perhaps just needs to calm down a touch.
Japan try to clear but the kick is charged down. No danger for the Cherry Blossoms, however, as Russia knocked on following the overthrow.
It's not the start Japan would have wanted but they have weathered a slight storm, here.
2 min: Japan 0 Russia 0
It's a great start from Russia as Japan are nervy from the off. They can't collect the restart and Russia have a lineout 10 metres out from the Japan line, taken well by Fedotko. They start a maul before Ostroushko crashes into the midfield.
Russia have penalty advantage five metres out. No advantage comes and Russia kick back to the corner.
Russia hooker Selskii has started emphatically.
Kick-off!
Here we go!
Here come the teams
Russia really do look up for this, but they were always going to be, surely?
Michael Leitch leads out Japan. In comparison to the Russians, he looks as cool as a cucumber.
And now the anthems...
It looks set to be a dry night in Tokyo, incidentally.
10 minutes to kick-off...
World Rugby have stated that their referees are 'not there to lay down markers' in this tournament. Regardless, the high tackle laws are sure to come under increased scrutiny as referees will show zero tolerance to any contact with the head.
Watch Telegraph Sport's Charlie Morgan in the video below, for an explanation of World Rugby's latest high-tackle laws.
Team news
Let's run through those teams again as kick-off approaches.
Japan will be captained by Michael Leitch, the talisman of that famous victory over the Springboks in 2015. There is bad news for the Cherry Blossoms, however, in that wing Kenki Fukuoka and back row Amanaki Mafi will miss the match, having both picked up injuries in the defeat by South Africa earlier this month.
Japan starting XV: Tupou; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Lemeki; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Valu; Van der Walt, Moore; Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno.
Replacements: Sakate, Nakajima, Ji-won, Thompson, Tui, Tanaka, Matsuda, Yamanaka
Russia, meanwhile, are led by former Northampton Saints outside back Vasily Artemyev, with former Sale shark Andrei Ostrikov also providing Gallagher Premiership experience.
Russia starting XV: Artemyev; Davydov, Ostroushko, Gerasimov, Golosnitskiy; Kushnarev, Dorofeev; Morozov, Selskii, Gotovtsev, Ostrikov, Fedotko, Zhivatov, Gadzhiev, Vavilin
Replacements: Matveev, Polivalov, Bitiev, Garbuzov, Sychev, Perov, Gaisin, Sozonov
Nigel Owens will be the man with the whistle, too.
Pre-match stats
As well as being comfortable favourites on paper, the omens also favour Japan; the hosts have won the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in six of the last eight tournaments. Who didn't? England lost to New Zealand in 1991 and an Ignacio Corleto-inspired Argentina beat France in 2007.
Japan's place-kicking success percentage (90%) from this year's Tests only is better than any other team in the tournament.
Japan have beaten Russia on five of the last six occasions.
Japan won three of their four games at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but did not progress beyond the pool stages.
Russia are yet to record a Rugby World Cup win.
How do Japan play?
Now that Japan officially has its hands on the tournament - the opening ceremony is over - it's time for business.
As a team with potential to really upset the apple cart, Japan will be hoping to get off to a flying start today against Russia. But, how will they cause Scotland and Ireland problems? Read Charlie Morgan's tactical guide to find out more.
Bill Beaumont's speech
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont opened up with a word in Japanese which, although I am no expert, presumably means "hello". That was met with thunderous applause before he, as expected, continued in English. He said:
I know that Japan will be the most welcoming of hosts. You are the best hosts.
None of this would be possible without a partnership and thanks to the crown prince, the government, the organising committee, the Japan RFU, the host cities, the venues, and the thousands of volunteers.
To the teams, this is your moment to shine on our greatest stage. I know you will inspire a new generation of fans and players by competing at your very best, promoting rugby's values: integrity, respect, solidarity, discipline and passion.
The waiting is over, the stage is set. It's now over to the the teams, the fans and Japan to make this the best Rugby World Cup ever.
The ceremony is over, and kick-off is under an hour away.
History repeats itself
Not content with raising the trophy aloft on two separate occasions, the great Richie McCaw now has to get in on the act one more time...
Opening ceremony
Now we are running through the various teams competing. England get a mix of cheers and boos, while Japan receive the loudest cheer, of course.
That is followed by a rousing, piercingly harmonious rendition of World Rugby's anthem "World in Union" by a children's choir.
Opening ceremony
There's been lots of drumming thus far, as well as a run through of all the cities hosting matches in the tournament.
We are now being treated to some tradition Kabuki music, which dates back to 1603.
Team news
Before the opening ceremony gets underway, let's run through the team news for the opener.
Japan will be captained by Michael Leitch, the talisman of that famous victory over the Springboks in 2015. There is bad news for the Cherry Blossoms, however, in that wing Kenki Fukuoka and back row Amanaki Mafi will miss the match, having both picked up injuries in the defeat by South Africa earlier this month.
Japan starting XV: Tupou; Matsushima, Lafaele, Nakamura, Lemeki; Tamura, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Valu; Van der Walt, Moore; Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno.
Replacements: Sakate, Nakajima, Ji-won, Thompson, Tui, Tanaka, Matsuda, Yamanaka
Russia, meanwhile, are led by former Northampton Saints outside back Vasily Artemyev, with former Sale shark Andrei Ostrikov also providing Gallagher Premiership experience.
Russia starting XV: Artemyev; Davydov, Ostroushko, Gerasimov, Golosnitskiy; Kushnarev, Dorofeev; Morozov, Selskii, Gotovtsev, Ostrikov, Fedotko, Zhivatov, Gadzhiev, Vavilin
Replacements: Matveev, Polivalov, Bitiev, Garbuzov, Sychev, Perov, Gaisin, Sozonov
Russia fans hoping that their tournament sets off like a rocket...
In case you missed it...
Overnight, Eddie Jones picked a strong side for England's opener against Tonga on Sunday (11.15am BST). Injury doubts over Joe Marler have been quashed as the Harlequins loosehead will start, while the dynamism of Sam Underhill and Tom Curry will combine once again on the flanks.
Jones has also opted to continue with a George Ford and Owen Farrell double act in midfield, with Henry Slade named on the bench for his first match since the Premiership final in June.
Here is your England team to take on Tonga on Sunday 22 September ��
KO 1115am BST, LIVE on @ITV
Full story: https://t.co/UiqbgWOGfz#ENGvTGA#RWC2019#RWCSapporo#CarryThemHome�� pic.twitter.com/4li9nRwyMw— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) September 20, 2019
Fantasy Rugby: Your last chance to pick a team
Are you normally a Fantasy Rugby fan? Register for our game here for the chance to win £5,000.
Are you excited?
Good morning everyone and welcome to Telegraph Sport's live coverage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup from Japan - World Rugby's ninth blue riband event.
With six or seven teams who are capable of going all the way and getting their hands on the Webb Ellis trophy, this World Cup has shaped into one of the most hotly-anticipated for some time.
But, this morning, we start at the Tokyo Stadium. The hosts, Japan, will be hoping for a strong start to their campaign with testing pool matches against Ireland and Scotland to come. For Russia, meanwhile, a win against any of their pool's difficult opponents would equate to a successful campaign; they have never won a World Cup match and lost warm-up matches to Jersey and Connacht last month.
You can find out more about both of these teams, including men to watch out for, in our comprehensive team-by-team guides.
It might not be the most enticing of fixtures on paper, but 40 million people are expected to tune in from across Japan, with many more millions watching from around the world.
Before kick-off, however, we have the small matter of the opening ceremony. World Rugby have promised something 'unique' and, ahead of that grand opening, Kate Rowan has shed some light on what we can expect.
Sit tight, buckle up, and enjoy the enthralling, wacky, tumultuous ride. In a month and a half's time, we will have another World Cup winner.
