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Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Japan’s Kotaro Matsushima reacts after scoring his side’s vital fourth bonus-point try in the 39-18 win over Samoa in Pool A.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Japan’s number 8 Kazuki Himeno (R) is tackled by Samoa’s prop Michael Alaalatoa (L) during a hard-fought encounter at the City of Toyota Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Samoa’s wing Ed Fidow runs with the ball during the Pool A encounter.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Japan’s wing Kenki Fukuoka charges clear to score the third try for the Brave Blossoms.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia makes a break during his side’s 45-10 win over Uruguay in Pool D at the Oita Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Australia’s Tevita Kuridrani is tackled by Uruguay’s Tomas Inciarte during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Oita Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Uruguay’s scrum-half Santiago Arata passes the ball during the clash against the Wallabies.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Franco Lamanna of Uruguay wins a line out under challenge from Lukhan Salakaia-Loto of Australia.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

England’s Luke Cowan-Dickie scores his side’s sixth and final try against the Argentina Pumas in a 39-10 win in Pool C.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Argentina’s wing Santiago Carreras runs into England’s scrum-half Ben Youngs at the Tokyo Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Jonny May of England takes on Emiliano Boffelli of Argentina. May scored the opening try for his side.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Jack Nowell of England scores his side’s fifth try as 14-man Argentina wilted under pressure.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

After defeat by New Zealand in its opening game at Japan 2019, South Africa couldn’t afford to slip up against Italy. South Africa’s flanker Pieter-Steph Du Toit tackles Italy’s centre Luca Morisi.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

South Africa ran out comfortable winners — 49-3 — at the game at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka. Mbongeni Mbonambi dives across the line to score a try for South Africa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

South Africa’s wing Cheslin Kolbe (L) runs to score a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between South Africa and Italy at the Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka on October 4, 2019. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP) (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Italy’s hooker Luca Bigi is caught at the bottom of a ruck.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Willie Le Roux of South Africa is tackled by Sergio Parisse of Italy.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Tito Tebaldi of Italy kicks under pressure from Faf De Klerk of South Africa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Jack Carty of Ireland tries to break clear as his side looks to bounce back against Russia in Kobe following a shock defeat by host Japan.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ireland’s centre Bundee Aki (right) felt the force of Russian opposite number Kirill Golosnitskiy during the Pool A match.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Rhys Ruddock of Ireland runs with the ball towards Igor Galinovskiy of Russia during the match in Kobe.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ruddock scores Ireland’s third try as the world’s No.1 ranked team runs out the 35-0 winner to get back on track in the tournament.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Fiji took on Georgia looking for its first win in the tournament. Kini Murimurivalu (right) was in action taking on Georgia’s Giorgi Kveseladze at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Georgia’s Soso Matiashvili is shackled during the game against Fiji.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Georgia centre Davit Kacharava can’t get through, either.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Fiji’s Leone Nakarawa is tackled by Merab Sharikadze of Georgia.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Semi Radradra scores his team’s seventh try as Fiji triumphs 45-10 against Georgia.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Jordie Barrett shrugs off an attempted tackle from a despairing Canadian player during the All Blacks’ 63-0 romp over the North American team.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

While Canada never gave up hope, it failed to score a single point for the second time in a Rugby World Cup game (0-20 vs. South Africa in 1995)

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

New Zealand center Sonny Bill Williams (left) scored the All Blacks’ third try of the evening and with the win, has won his last 16 Rugby World Cup games, equaling Kiwi hooker Keven Mealamu’s all-time record of consecutive wins at the tournament.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

While Canada struggled with their set pieces all evening, Tyler Ardron did win this lineout.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

New Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara’s quick hands and activity around the scrum helped New Zealand score four tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ardie Savea made World Cup history when he came on for New Zealand. He became the first player in World Cup history to wear goggles during a game.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

It wasn’t pretty, but a misfiring France managed to record its second victory of the tournament with a 33-9 win over USA.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

AJ MacGinty (middle) scored all nine points for the USA with his boot, going three for three with his penalties.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The USA’s performance didn’t prevent its fans from having a nice time, as they turned out in force in the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium to support their country.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Although the USA got to within three points of France in the second-half, a late flurry of tries from Gael Fickou, Baptiste Serin (center) and Jefferson Poirot secured the bonus-point win for the French.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Nick Civetta of the United States stretches for the ball at a lineout with France’s Paul Gabrillagues. The big second row has featured in both of the USA’s defeats at the Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Scotland’s Darcy Graham (centre) in action against Samoa as the Scots look to get their World Cup campaign back on track after a lackluster opening defeat by Ireland.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Scotland’s cause is helped by a yellow card for Samoa’s Ed Fidow, temporarily reducing the Pacific Islanders to 14 men. Fidow is later sent off for a second yellow card.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Sean Maitland fumbles the ball as Scotland chase a fourth try and a bonus point which could prove crucial at the business end of the pool stage.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Alapati Leiua of Samoa is tackled by Jamie Ritchie of Scotland in a bruising match in Kobe.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Scotland runs out the 34-0 winner against Samoa to revive its hope of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Wales’ Gareth Davies (left) is congratulated by teammate Hadleigh Parkes after scoring his crucial interception try during a 29-25 win over Australia in the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Tokyo Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Australian supporters react following the Rugby World Cup Pool D game defeat to Wales in Tokyo.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Wales’ No. 8 Josh Navidi (left) is tackled by Australia’s lock Izack Rodda during an epic encounter.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Wales star George North in action during the nerve-jangling match.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Adam Ashley-Cooper of Australia scores the first half try to drag his side back into contention against Wales after a slow start for the Wallabies.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Dane Haylett-Petty of Australia jumps for the ball under pressure from Liam Williams of Wales.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Tolu Latu of Australia is tackled by Josh Adams and Hadleigh Parkes of Wales.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

George North of Wales and Kurtley Beale of Australia jump for the ball in the Tokyo Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Uruguay’s Santiago Arata jumps to take a ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool D game at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium between Uruguay and Georgia.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Georgia’s centre Giorgi Kveseladze (left) runs with the ball in his side’s 33-7 win over Uruguay.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Soso Matiashvili of Georgia breaks through a tackle against Uruguay.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Japan’s Kenki Fukuoka scores the crucial go-ahead try in his side’s epic 19-12 victory over Ireland in the Rugby World Cup Pool A game in Shizuoka.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Irish fans react as they watch their side slide to a shock defeat to host Japan.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ireland players Gary Ringrose (l) and Jack Carty (r) compete for a high ball during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group A game between Japan and Ireland.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Yutaka Nagare of Japan is tackled by James Ryan of Ireland during the hard-fought encounter

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ireland’s centre and first half try scorer Garry Ringrose is tackled by Japan’s lock Luke Thompson as the action hots up in Shizuoka.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Argentina’s fly-half Benjamin Urdapilleta looks on during his side’s 28-12 win over Tonga at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Argentina’s Santiago Carreras and Tonga’s Viliami Lolohea compete for the ball during the Rugby World Cup Pool C game.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Argentina’s Pablo Matera runs with the ball during their game against Tonga.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Benjamin Urdapilleta of Argentina kicks the ball under pressure of Zane Kapeli of Tonga his side’s bonus-point victory.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Max Katijenko of Namibia competes for a lineout with Franco Mostert of South Africa during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game between South Africa and Namibia at City of Toyota Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Thomasau Forbes of Namibia looks on from the ground during his side’s nine-try defeat to South Africa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Makazole Mapimpi of South Africa evades a tackle from Chad Plato of Namibia to go on and score his team’s seventh try.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

South Africa’s Elton Jantjies runs past Namibia’s Eugene Jantjies during the one-sided match.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The USA were beaten 45-7 by England at the Rugby World Cup in its opening game at Japan 2019. Shaun Davies passes the ball during the Group C match at Kobe Misaki Stadium in Kobe.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

England ran in seven tries, including two from Joe Cokanasiga.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Elliot Daly of England is tackled by Blaine Scully, who is captain of the USA team.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The USA did get points on the board with Bryce Campbell of USA going over to score late in the game.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Earlier on September 26, Italy beat Canada 48-7 at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Canada’s wing Jeff Hassler (back) tackles Italy’s full back Matteo Minozzi during Group B game.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Italy ran in seven tries during the game, though Canada spurned a number of try scoring opportunities.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Canada’s fly-half Peter Nelson hands over the ball in a ruck.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Tommaso Benvenuti of Italy competes for the ball with Ben Lesage of Canada.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The 2019 Rugby World Cup delivered its first major shock as minnows Uruguay held on for a historic 30-27 victory over Fiji.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Fiji was expected to comfortably beat its South American opponents but Uruguay staged one the tournament’s biggest upsets in World Cup history.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Uruguay’s wing Nicolas Freitas is tackled by Fiji’s scrum-half Nikola Matawalu during the Pool D match.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Mesulame Dolokoto grounds the ball to score his side’s first try but Fiji made too many mistakes in the game.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Local children cheer with both Fiji and Uruguay flags at the Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, a venue built in memory of those lost in the 2011 tsunami.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The loss means Fiji might struggle to progress to the quarterfinals after also losing its opener against Australia.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ed Fidow celebrates with his Samoan team mates after scoring his sides third try during its win over Russia.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

School children attended the match at the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The match was a feisty affair with Samoa fortunate not to have had two players sent off.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Dwayne Polataivao tackles Yury Kushnarev during the Pool A game between Russia and Samoa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Wales was forced to work hard for its win against Georgia but produced a first half masterclass to clinch the win.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Georgia’s wing Giorgi Kveseladze, right, tackles Wales’ fly-half Dan Biggar during their Pool D match between at the City of Toyota Stadium on September 23.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Wales faced Georgia in its opening game of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Its passion sometimes proved too much and referee Luke Pearce showed Georgia’s Jaba Bregvadze a yellow card for foul play.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Wales celebrate after scoring yet another try against its opposition which proved it was more than capable of competing on a physical level.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Ireland proved to be too strong for its opponents who failed to match the Irish intensity.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

James Ryan of Ireland wins a line out during his side’s 27-3 win over Scotland.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

An Ireland supporter looks on prior to his side’s opening game.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Italy cruised to a simple bonus-point victory over Namibia but only after a scare from the part-timers.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

England’s centre Manu Tuilagi celebrates with fly-half George Ford after scoring a try.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

England’s Anthony Watson juggles the ball.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

New Zealand players perform the Haka prior to their Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game against South Africa.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

New Zealand’s wing Sevu Reece catches the ball.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Peceli Yato of Fiji takes on Reece Hodge of Australia. At one point in the second half, Fiji led 21-12.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Christian Lealiifano of Australia holds on to the ball during the Rugby World Cup match between Australia and Fiji in Sapporo, Japan, on September 21.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Waisea Nayacalevu of Fiji, right, beats Christian Lealifano to the ball to score a second-half try. However, two tries from Australia hooker Tolu Latu in five minutes ensured the Wallabies avoided a huge upset.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Argentina’s lock Guido Petti Pagadizabal (L) tackles France’s scrumhalf Antoine Dupont. France survived a remarkable second-half comeback from Argentina to record a thrilling 23-21 win.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

France’s Virimi Vakatawa looks to pass the ball to a teammate. France led 20-3 at half-time.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Japan’s Matsushima, left, celebrates with Yutaka Nagare, center, after scoring one of his three tries.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Russia’s Andrei Ostrikov, left, competes for the ball with Japan’s James Moore during their Rugby World Cup match in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday, September 20.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

Russia scored first and led 7-0, before Japan gradually grew into the match. Kotaro Matsushima of Japan touches down for a try under pressure from Vasily Artemyev of Russia, but it is disallowed.

Rugby World Cup 2019 in pictures

The match between Japan and Russia was preceded by the tournament’s opening ceremony.

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