Superb Scotland sweep aside Russia to set up decisive Japan clash

Despite 14 changes to their starting lineup, Scotland raced to the bonus-point victory they needed to keep their Rugby World Cup hopes alive.

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2015dReuters

Ireland short of their best despite easy win over Russia

Joe Schmidt's side claimed a bonus-point win to fix some of the damage done by their loss to Japan last time out.

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2015dReuters

High tackle controversies overshadow Samoa's win against Russia

Samoa marked their first match at Japan 2019 with victory, but it was two high tackles in the first half by the Samoans that was the major talking point.

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2028dReuters

Rugby World Cup hosts Japan overcome first-night nerves to see off Russia

Winger Kotaro Matsushima scored a hat-trick as Japan overcame a severe case of opening-night nerves to give the host nation a winning start to the Rugby World Cup.

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2028dSam Bruce

Rugby World Cup sweeps into Asia for first time on a sea of red and white

Any thought that the tournament's first foray into Asia wouldn't be embraced by the people of Japan was blown away on opening night.

BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP/Getty Images

2393dSam Rider

What to expect of Japan as host nation for Rugby World Cup 2019

With Asia's first Rugby World Cup on the horizon, the 12 host cities are preparing themselves for an estimated 400,000 visiting fans from across the world.

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2393dESPN Staff

Way-too-early predictions for Rugby World Cup 2019

With one year to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan, our writers take a look through each of the pools and decide where it will all be won and lost in 2019.

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2521dMartyn Thomas

Russia handed 2019 World Cup spot

Russia have been handed a place in the 2019 Rugby World Cup after an independent disputes committee found Romania and Spain had committed eligibility violations during qualification.