Despite going one try down early in the match, the Brave Blossoms came back to score a resounding victory.
The inherent strength and speed of the team, combined with Matsushima’s memorable performance, carried Japan into a dominant position in the game, securing the full 5 points and a winning start to their campaign.
The opening ceremony – an entertaining blend of cutting-edge computer graphics and traditional performing arts - raised the curtain on Rugby World Cup Japan 2019. The stands were full of fans supporting Japan, but the first team to register a try was the Russian side. Only four minutes into the game, a high punt was not gathered safely, and the Russian side capitalized on the mistake to cross the tryline. The opening moments of the match saw some errors by the home side in kicking and catching, which thankfully gave way to more fluid passages of play and by halftime Japan had scored two tries, which together with one conversion meant that they led 12-7 at the interval.
In the second half the Brave Blossoms began to take control, using their trademark power and speed to good effect. Just three minutes after the restart, fly-half Tamura converted a penalty kick, soon after which flanker Labuschagne scored his first ever try in an international match. Then in the 28th minute of the second half, Japanese winger Matsushima was involved in a memorable passage of play. A Russian kick went astray and was gathered by the flying winger, who showed a clean pair of heels to race in and score, marking the first hattrick ever by a Japanese player at a Rugby World Cup. In all, Japan scored four tries and secured a bonus point, collecting all of the 5 points on offer, sending them to the top of Pool A – the perfect start to the tournament for the host nation.
FW (Forwards)
PR (Props)
Jersey Numbers 1 and 3
Props are at the front of the scrum – the intense competition to win the ball involving all eight forwards in a rugby team – and they generally are the heaviest, most solidly-built members of a squad. They require strong neck and shoulder muscles in order to compete with their opposite numbers in the scrum.
HO (Hooker)
Jersey Number 2
Typically, hookers are built like props, as they stand on the front line of the scrum between two props. Their job in the scrum is to hook the ball back with their feet as it is fed in by the scrum-half. At the line-out it is often a hooker that throws the ball back into play.
LO (Locks)
Jersey Numbers 4 and 5
In the scrum, the locks set up directly behind the three front row forwards (the two props and the hooker) and use their power to push against the opposition. Locks are typically tall, which is an advantage when competing for the ball at the line-out.
FL (Flankers)
Jersey Numbers 6 and 7
Flankers push in from the left and right sides of the scrum. They are usually involved with handling or competing for the ball, so they are expected to be strong in the tackle as well as quick and agile on their feet.
Number Eight
Jersey Number 8
The last member of the scrum, the number eight controls the forwards from the rear of the pack. Often called upon to attack and defend, a number eight needs power and quick feet to be effective.
BK (Backs)
SH (Scrum-Half)
Jersey Number 9
The scrum-half feeds the ball into the scrum. Their main role is to be the linchpin connecting forward and back play. A good scrum-half will be quick-witted and dexterous when it comes to making passes as well as being able to make decisions as the game situation evolves. The scrum-half is often the smallest player on the field in terms of stature.
SO/FH (Stand-Off/Fly-Half)
Jersey Number 10
The fly-half controls the backs. Receiving the ball from the scrum-half, the fly-half can decide to pass or kick the ball, or even make a break themselves. They are a key player in any offensive play and are often seen as a tactical leader on the field.
WTB (Wingers)
Jersey Numbers 11 and 14
Wingers typically race down channels on both edges of the pitch and are known for scoring tries. Wingers need to be fast as well as possessing rapid acceleration.
CTB (Centers)
Jersey Numbers 12 and 13
In an attacking situation, the centers would be looking to receive the ball and then make a pass to one of the wingers, or to break through themselves if they can see a hole in the defensive formation. When the team is defending, the centers will be called upon to make a lot of tackles, so they need to be strong and dynamic.
FB (Full-Back)
Jersey Number 15
The full-back is the most deeply positioned player in the team – the last line of defense. They observe the formations and patterns of the opposing team and control the backline from the rear. A good full-back needs to be solid in the tackle as well as having a strong boot when it comes to kicking the ball into opposition territory.