First Rugby World Cup in Asia kicks off at a packed Tokyo Stadium
Prince Akishino has officially declared the tournament open, with World Rugby chief Beaumont saying:"This is the moment we've all been waiting for ... we can all be very proud tonight. You have made history."
Earlier, at the opening ceremony, children representing the 20 competing teams belted out the World Rugby anthem "World in Union" before former All Black skipper Richie McCaw brought in the glittering Webb Ellis Cup. The early signs are good, with officials saying the tournament should be close to a complete sell-out and a staggering 15,000 fans turning out on a public holiday just to watch Wales train.
Japan served up the biggest shock in World Cup history in 2015 when they beat the mighty Springboks 34-32 in a match dubbed the "miracle of Brighton" that has even inspired a movie. Much rests on the shoulders of fly-half Sexton who, at 34, is no longer in the first flush of youth and has suffered an alarming dip in form.
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