Rugby Union Today: Japan win, Richie McCaw exclusive
Japan's Pieter Labuschagne scores his sides third try during the Pool A match between Japan and Russia at the Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo, Japan. Picture date: Friday September 20, 2019. See PA story RUGBYU Japan. Photo credit should read: Ashley Western/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Strictly no commercial use or association. Still image use only. Use implies acceptance of RWC 2019 T&Cs (in particular Section 5 of RWC 2019 T&Cs) at: https://bit.ly/2knOId6
Another busy day in the rugby union game as hosts Japan opened the 2019 Rugby World Cup with a 30-10 victory over Russia in Tokyo.
What’s on the site
Japan got their World Cup campaign off to a winning, if slightly unconvincing, start following a 30-10 triumph over Russia. Kotaro Matsushima was the star after the wing touched down three times in Tokyo and all those tries can be found in the highlights.
Elsewhere, check out this feature from writer Alex Broun, who spoke to New Zealand legend Richie McCaw about the secrets to winning the global tournament, with the former All Blacks skipper lifting the Webb Ellis trophy in 2011 and 2015.
What’s in the news
England will line up with George Ford at fly-half and Owen Farrell at centre after Eddie Jones named his team for the encounter against Tonga on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Ireland and Scotland also announced their 23-man squads with Andrew Conway and Jordan Larmour starting for the former, and Gregor Townsend making several changes from the Scottish team that beat Georgia.
What’s on social media
Not a bad player to have cheering for you, but we do wonder how the USA will be feeling following this message from an NFL legend…
🐐 Can't go wrong with the GOAT in your corner
🙌 Appreciate the support @tombrady #StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #RWCTokyo pic.twitter.com/BuV6Wl657b— Springboks (@Springboks) September 20, 2019
What’s on TV
The tournament everyone has been waiting for started on Friday as hosts Japan faced Russia in the Rugby World Cup opener. All the games will be exclusively live on ITV as 20 teams battle it out to become the champion.
Other matches also take place this weekend, including the beginning of the English season on BT Sport, as Harlequins play Bristol and Exeter Chiefs go head-to-head with Bath in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
Finally, the Mitre 10 Cup continues on Sky Sports with Hawke’s Bay hosting Taranaki on Friday.
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