Matsushima stars as Japan beat Russia - relive hosts' World Cup win

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This is the scene on the first day of Pool A.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, former New Zealand international Andrew Mehrtens said: "I thought it was a great spectacle. The rugby wasn't wonderful the whole time but it was exactly what we needed. The first Russian try brought everyone onto the edge of their seats for a while.

"I did worry that Japan were focused on Scotland and Ireland because they will be looking at beating one of them to get to the quarter-final. Russia brought a physicality and Japan will be happy to have got through that tonight."

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A big shift under the radar from Japan number eight Kazuki Himeno who covered 113m in 16 carries, both game-high totals.

Flanker Pieter Labuschagne made 16 tackles and secured two turnovers, as well as scoring his try in another good performance.

Small Man Peaky: The way Russia have kept going is brilliant for the World Cup. They had been smashed in their warm-ups and were widely slated as the whipping boys of group A.

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Two-time Rugby World Cup winner and, late in his career, Kobelco Steelers star import Dan Carter took in the match from the comfy seats.

It has been a great start to the tournament. The opening ceremony went fantastically well. Japan will review the game and could have scored more points but the result was right.

We have seen the strength of the tournament. You over perform at a World Cup and become superhuman and some of those Russians put their bodies on the line.

The Japanese fans are all on their feet. Seems like they enjoyed that one in the end.

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All done and everyone leaves happy.

Japan take the win, Russia take plenty of honour in a valiant battling above-par display.

There goes the gong signifying 80 minutes and the final play. It will start with a Russian line-out just outside the Japan 22m...

Russia have played their part.

From Japan's point of view, if they had gone to a 50 point rout, you do not learn as much about yourself.

A good kick from replacement playmaker Ramil Gaisin put Russia deep in the Japan 22m. Consolation score in the post?

SMS Message: NZ vs SA tomorrow should be a belter, but I'm looking forward to Australia v Fiji - two seriously entertaining teams, and the tournament's first shock result in the offing...? from Ethan, Ely

NZ vs SA tomorrow should be a belter, but I'm looking forward to Australia v Fiji - two seriously entertaining teams, and the tournament's first shock result in the offing...?

Russia's defence is looking very, very tired.

The blue line is wearing thin.

Replacement Ryohei Yamanaka, just on, is very nearly through for a fifth try.

I thought Fumiaki Tanaka had wasted the opportunity when he kicked the ball away but once Kotaro Matsushima had the ball, he faded to the outside and it was desperate defending by the Russians.

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Phil Gilman: Labuschagne scores Japan's third try in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup. What a way to follow up all the runs he scored in the Ashes.

Lee Hammond: You don't see one your entire life, then all of a sudden 2 Labuschagnes turn up at once. Great game so far too. Good way to kick off the RWC.

Hugh Price: What a summer this has been for the Labuschagne name!

The game is losing rhythm and shape like the father of the bride in the last hour of a wedding disco.

Both teams are looking tired, lacking energy and invention to unlock the opposition defence.

And a change at 10 for the hosts with the impressive Yu Tamura departing to be replaced by Rikiya Matsuda.