World Cup set to explode into life

The Japanese tapestry is about to undergo significant change, from an exotic weave of artefact and finery to the crunch and wallop of a Rugby World Cup as the tournament sets out to show that it is first and foremost compelling sport that creates lasting memories.

The cultural backdrop has been acknowledged, the ceremonial scene set but, in truth, what we crave is to see the gladiators themselves in action, the samurai with studs on.

Even old poker-face himself, All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, admitted to a frisson on Thursday, an indicator that the veteran of four previous World Cups recognises that this is show time – the parading of talent, the testing of resolve, the spin of the wheel that can deliver woe or joy, the twin impostors in play almost each and every day.

‘‘We’re excited to be at this point,’’ Hansen said, striking a chord when he stated the ‘‘sooner the tournament starts the better’’, if only in New Zealand’s case to dampen down the peripheral echochamber that wonders if the All Blacks have become the Old Blacks, a lesser version of themselves, back-to-back champions who have popped over the other side of the hill on to the downward slope.

Today will certainly provide an answer to that, as the two giant southern sluggers, New Zealand and South Africa, climb into the ring in Yokohama and dispute what will be the top-billing decider in pool B.

Not only is this the most competitive World Cup ever with six, perhaps seven, genuine contenders, it has also been set up to hit viewers in the eye with several fixtures that would not be out of place in the knockout stages.

Perhaps this is a sign of nervousness among organisers that a tournament held in a non-traditional territory might be

■ 4.45pm, Australia v Fiji

■ 7.15pm, France v Argentina

■ 9.45pm, New Zealand v South Africa

Today

Tomorrow

■ 5.15pm, Italy v Namibia

■ 7.45pm, Ireland v Scotland

■ 10.15pm, England v Tonga

Online

For coverage of last night’s opening match between Japan and Russia, go to stuff.co.nz

perceived somehow as flaky and underclubbed if it did not grab the attention from the first whistle.

Take your pick thereafter: Australia against Fiji, a riot of movement; Argentina versus France, a nerveshredder for the loser in the toughest of the pools alongside England, who put their bodies as well as credentials on the line in Sapporo tomorrow, a few hours before Ireland face Scotland.

Then Wales make their bow on Monday with Rob Howley’s expulsion still reverberating. Warren Gatland, though, is a master when it comes to dealing with difficulty.

England have been in the Lotus Land of Miyazaki, all lush and steamy before, suitably enough, encountering the chillier climes of Sapporo in Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido. A World Cup is no place for self-indulgence and England are aware that, even though tomorrow’s opposition, Tonga, lost 92-7 to the All Blacks recently, there will be a hard-edged, muscular tone to every contact.

It is time for defining acts from the star turns, belligerent defiance from the underdogs. Some 400,000 overseas fans are expected. A treat awaits.

– The Daily Telegraph