Brave Blossoms overcome nervous opening to the relief of Japanese fans hoping they reach the knock out stages
After an opening ceremony inspired by Japan’s ancient culture, the country’s rugby team briefly risked reverting to their traditional role of
World Cup also-rans, before rallying to end the opening game of the tournament with a comfortable win over Russia.
The Brave Blossoms overcame a nervous opening to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time, to the relief of hundreds of fans watching the match on giant screens at a fanzone in central Tokyo.