Anthems concluded and kickoff is just moments away

The sides have made their way out onto the field, anthems to follow

Welcome to rugby's greatest showpiece, the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. The hosts get the tournament underway with a Pool A clash against Russia. These sides have met on six occasions, with Japan leading the head to head with five victories to one by Russia. Ireland, Scotland and Samoa make up the rest of the pool.