Tokyo (AFP)

First tests, first exploits and first failures ... The Rugby World Cup, the first game in Asia, opened on a large success of Japan against Russia (30-10), Friday in Tokyo.

The win, with an offensive bonus point for the Japanese writers in four tries, was preceded by a brief opening ceremony (less than thirty minutes) that celebrated the link between Japanese culture and rugby.

The ceremony concluded with the appearance of ex-All-Black Richie McCaw, who symbolically brought back the William Webb-Ellis Cup whose last two editions were won by the New Zealanders.

Prince Akishino, a member of the imperial family, then declared the World Cup officially open on the lawn of Tokyo Stadium, next to the president of World Rugby.

In a short speech, Bill Beaumont pointed out that the Japanese could be "proud" of the work they have done over the past decade to host the World Cup. He also asked the players "to inspire a new generation".

- Popular success assured -

Bursting across twelve stages between the southernmost island (Kyushu) and Sapporo (on the island of Hokkaido in the north), this first World Cup in Asia, far from its roots (Europe, Oceania), offers rugby an opportunity to conquer new territories, before, perhaps, to open one day more towards South America or North.

"I hope that this first World Cup in Asia will allow rugby to grow and that more practitioners will turn to rugby," said Siya Kolisi, the first black captain of the South African team.

For now, no meteorological phenomenon (typhoon) threatens the archipelago broken natural disasters and a tournament that could suffer from the cancellation of stakes matches. "We hope it will not be a problem," said World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper cautiously.

Climate threats are on the decline, economic prospects on the rise: with 260 million pounds (293 M EUR) of expected commercial revenues, Japan should finally do better than England in 2015, so far the World's most profitable (245 million pounds), while World Rugby did not expect so much.

Between 400,000 and 500,000 foreign visitors are expected in the country, a little more than in Britain (350,000). The final will be played on November 2 in Yokohama.

In a country driven by his passion for baseball and sumo wrestling, the Japanese, who rushed on tickets (96% of seats sold), are ready to get excited about the oval ball, as long as the "Brave Blossoms" "push their adventure far.

Even if they do not seem to be ready to claim the title, the Japanese can dream of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. After their success on the Russians, they will have to beat at least two of the other three teams in pool A: Ireland, Scotland and Samoa.

- All Blacks are not alone -

The circle of favorites, almost confined to the then-hegemonic All Blacks in the previous edition in 2015, expanded four years later.

Certainly, the New Zealanders, crowned at home in 2011 before retaining their title four years later, have some arguments (game, confidence, individuality ...) to claim a third consecutive title.

But some recent counter-performances as well as injuries (the second line Brodie Retallick) or mforms (the winger Rieko Ioane) of some executive players cast doubt on their real potential.

The first part of the answer will be provided on Saturday, in the duel against the Springboks, winners of the last Rugby Championship, with a draw (16-16) in Wellington on July 27.

Another declared contender, England, the only team in the Northern Hemisphere titled (2003) in the first 8 world, skated a game combining power, movement and malice since the inauguration of the coach Eddie Jones on the ashes of the elimination in chickens in 2015.

All Blacks, Springboks and England ... This is the first platoon of favorites to brandish the cup in six weeks.

Behind ? We can logically rank Australia, finalist in 2015 but intermittent performance since, and the two world number 1 of the summer, in order of appearance Wales and Ireland.

© 2019 AFP