Japanese fans have shown their passion and support before the Rugby World Cup opener against Russia, arriving at the ground over five hours before scheduled kick-off at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo.
- RWC Power Rankings: All Blacks start as team to beat
- Rugby World Cup sweepstake kit
- Rugby World Cup 2019 schedule - New Zealand dates, times
The six-week tournament gets underway at 10:45pm (NZ time) and is the first of 48 matches to be held over 43 days.
Thousands are expected to turn out at fan zones across the country, as Japan becomes the first tier-two nation to host the global showpiece.
"Considering all the people wearing their Japanese jerseys, tonight's game should be an absolute doozy to look at," Newshub rugby reporter Ross Karl says from Tokyo.
"The entire stadium could be in red and white, as they try to kick off the World Cup and get the country into it with a win.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE FULL STORY
Join us from 10:45pm for live updates of the Japan v Russia Rugby World Cup clash
Newshub.
