Japanese jol begins with a bang

The biggest spectacle was in the stands on an unforgettable night for rugby and Japan, writes JON CARDINELLI at Tokyo Stadium.

Matsushima hat-trick helps Japan past Russia

South African-born duo Lappies Labuschagne and Kotaro Matsushima scored four tries between them as Japan battled to a 30-10 victory over Russia in the opening game of the 2019 World Cup in Tokyo on Friday.

Watch: Fan cams, atmosphere in Tokyo

SA Rugby magazine’s Jon Cardinelli caught up with some fans and soaked up the atmosphere ahead of the World Cup opener in Tokyo on Friday.

Nel starts in Scotland’s RWC opener

Props WP Nel and Allan Dell have been named in Scotland’s lineup to front Ireland in their World Cup opener in Yokohama on Sunday.

Fiji unlikely to spoil Group D party

Fiji’s pose a threat but are unlikely to sneak through the pool stages to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007 World Cup.

Ireland surprise with fullback selection

Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has named his starting lineup ahead of Sunday’s crucial World Cup match against Scotland in Yokohama.

Quotes of the day: ‘Jean Kleyn got the jackpot’

A selection of the best quotes from coaches and players at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan on Thursday.

England bring out big guns for Tonga

Coach Eddie Jones has named a full-strength England lineup to take on Tonga in their World Cup opener in Sapporo on Sunday.

Fleck: De Allende playing with ‘a quiet confidence’

Former Springbok centre Robbie Fleck says supporters shouldn’t put Damian de Allende ‘in a box’, and that most of the Bok inside centre’s good work around the park goes unnoticed, writes JOHN GOLIATH.

Read, Barrett to mastermind hat-trick?

Double defending champions New Zealand will rely on the likes of Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett if they are to win their third World Cup title in a row. Inside the SA Rugby magazine preview of the All Blacks …