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
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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
51 minutes
Japan rake the ball away at the breakdown, but again knock-on, and this time Russia get the drive going, Valery Morozov getting his shoulder into Asaeli Ai Valu to win the scrum penalty.
Yury Kushnarev kicks brilliantly into the Japan 22. Lineout ten metres from the line.
53 minutes
Japan successfully stall the maul, but here come the Russian forwards, Kirill Gotovtsev prominent as he wrestles to within a metre.
And they've got a penalty...
54 minutes
Nothing comes of the advantage as Japan force Russia away, and Nigel Owens whistles for the straight arm penalty beneath the posts.
A decision to be made. Scrum or points?
Scrum is the option, but Japan are unhappy with their last effort and they make a swap - Isieli Nakajima and Jiwon Koo are introduced at loose and tight head.
Keita Inagaki and Asaeli Ai Valu bow to the crowd as they trot off.
56 minutes
Japan defend the scrum attack well and force an errant pass, but somehow the ball squirms to Kirill Golosniskiy and he's back to within five!
But the next carrier is brought to floor well, and the supporting players fail to clear effectively, with Pieter Labuschagne latching on. The next man dives off his feet to remove the openside flanker - penalty to Japan, and they'll clear their lines.
57 minutes
Japan make a mess of the lineout, and knock on. Russia scrum on the 22. The game has got scrappy again.
59 minutes
Up goes the hoist as Russia lose momentum near halfway, and up goes Vasily Artemyev, too, and the Russian full-back is a fine aerial operator, winning the contest superbly to move Russia into the Japanese 22, where they win a penalty.
Irish-schooled, Artemyev showed some gaelic football skills there, and Yury Kushnarev will kick for the posts.
A raft of changes as we reach the hour mark, including the introduction of New Zealand-born stalwart Luke Thompson, in his fourth World Cup in a Brave Blossoms jersey.
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