Japan take a slender 12-7 lead over Russia into halftime of the opening game of the Rugby World Cup. Russia got off to a dream start with an early try from a Japanese error at the back to lead 7-0. Japan responded with their first score shortly after, but the conversion went wide as they trailed 7-5. Japan would have to wait until just before halftime to cross for their second try to hit the front at the break with a five point advantage. Full credit to the Russians for making it incredibly difficulty for the hosts in the opening forty.

Into touch and that will be halftime

Japan are in front just before halftime as Kushnarev restarts as the siren sounds

Outstanding offload from Nakamura to Matsushima on the right and he is over for his double

Good hands out to Lemeki on the left

Big hit on Horie

Out to Matsushima stopped 10m out

Nakamura carries it up strongly