Japan vs Russia LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, and team news for Rugby World Cup opener – The Sun

JAPAN kick off the 2019 Rugby World Cup as they look to build on the success of their 2015 campaign.

Under Eddie Jones, the Cherry Blossoms won three out of four group matches, including a famous victory over South Africa in Brighton.

And they will be favourites as they host Russia in this year's opening match, with the Russians actually failing to make it through European qualifying – but qualified after two teams fielded ineligible players.

Finishing third in their group, the Russians qualified for the Rugby World Cup by default as both Spain and Romania were found guilty of fielding ineligible players.

  • Japan face Russia in Pool A in Rugby World Cup opener at Ajinomoto Stadium
  • Kick off at 11.45am UK time
  • Ireland, Samoa and Scotland also in the group
  • Watch live on ITV for FREE with a valid TV licence
  • Live stream on ITV Hub

Japan XV: Inagaki, Horie, Valu, Van der Walt, Moore, Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno,Nagare, Tamura, Lemeki, Nakamura, Lafaele, Matsushima, Tupou

Russia XV: Morozov, Selskii, Gotovtsev, Ostrikov, Fedotko, Zhivatov, Gadzhiev, Vavilin, Dorofeev, Kushnarev, Golosnitskiy, Gerasimov, Ostroushko, Davydov, Artemyev

  • ENGLAND will have to wait two days until they get underway.

    But the excitement is building.

  • EDDIE JONES inspired Japan to a sensational shock victory over South Africa in the last tournament.

    The Cherry Blossoms will hope to build on their performances four years ago.

    While Jones has a potential winner on his hands if England can banish their demons.

  • WORLD RUGBY chairman Bill Beaumont spoke at the opening ceremony and paid a deserved compliment to the enthusiastic hosts.

    He said: “Over the next six weeks we will experience the very best of rugby and the very best of Japan as excitement sweeps this great nation.

    “I know Japan will be the most welcoming of hosts, you are the best.

    “The waiting is over and the stage is set. It's now over to the teams and the fans to make this the best World Cup ever.”

  • TOM BRADY knows a few things about winning championships.

    And the SIX-TIME Super Bowl winner is joining a growing crowd in backing South Africa.

  • HERE'S what we're playing for with just 45 minutes until the tournament kicks off.

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