Japan team captain Michael Leitch attends a news conference ahead of the start of the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Tokyo, Japan September 18, 2019. REUTERS/Issei Kato
TOKYO (Reuters) - With the weight of an expectant nation on their shoulders and a governing body desperate for the hosts to succeed in the first Rugby World Cup in Asia, Japan head into the tournament opener on Friday under arguably more pressure than any other team.
Fortunately, head coach Jamie Joseph probably could not have picked a better match-up to begin their campaign as they prepare to face Russia, ranked 20th in the world and making only their second World Cup finals appearance, at Tokyo Stadium.
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