Rugby World Cup: Russia determined to give hosts Japan run for their money in tournament opener
Japan opens the Rugby World Cup on home soil tonight against a team beaten by 70 points in their final lead-up match. But the hosts know they can’t afford to take their eye off the ball.
World Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from World Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Russia plan to spoil Japan’s big day by bringing “chaos” to the opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The Brave Blossoms begin their home tournament by hosting Lyn Jones’ side in Tokyo on Friday night, raising the curtain on six weeks of rugby which culminate in the final in Yokohama on November 2.
But Russia - beaten 85-15 by Italy during a warm-up program that also saw them lose to Connacht and Jersey - hope to spring a surprise by inflicting a defeat that would do serious damage to Japan’s ambition of making it out of a pool that also features Ireland, Scotland and Samoa.
Stream over 50 sports live & anytime on your TV or favourite device with KAYO SPORTS. The biggest Aussie sports and the best from overseas. Just $25/month. No lock-in contract. Get your 14 day free trial
“We watched the last four or five games of Japan,” said Russia captain Vasily Artemyev in quotes reported by the tournament’s official website.
“They have a very structured, organised game.
“We need to bring chaos into their organisation.”
Japan coach Jamie Joseph has made seven changes to the side beaten 41-7 by South Africa earlier this month.
Joseph’s men had to overturn a 22-10 half-time deficit to win 32-27 when these sides last met in Gloucester in November and captain Michael Leitch admits the nerves have been evident in training.
MORE RUGBY WORLD CUP NEWS
“I’m so nervous I’ve been making all sorts of mistakes in training - there’s so many people and so many cameras,” he said.
“But I’m very proud to be part of the World Cup and to be captain of the Japan rugby team.
“We have a lot of respect for Russia and we were very lucky to win last time we played them.
“I wouldn’t say we were favourites - I’d say we were even going into this Test match and if we don’t play our best we’re going to struggle.”