A day more than 10 years in the making's about to dawn in the Land of the Rising Sun

In 2009 Japan was awarded the hosting rights to Rugby World Cup 2019 - after missing out four years earlier to New Zealand for the 2011 edition.

Elliott Smith reports.



Hosts Japan face Russia in the first game tonight in Tokyo.



Manawatu have upset Canterbury 32-29 in the Mitre 10 Cup.

The Turbos put 20 points on the board before Canterbury found their way across the line.

A freak bounce of the ball gave Ngani Laumape a try to extend Manawatu's lead to 25-5 at the break.

Turbos flanker Nick Crosswell was celebrating his 100th game for the province.



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Ethan Rusbatch is living minute by minute.

The Tall Blacks guard has been called into the Breakers ahead of the Australian Basketball League's pre-season Blitz tournament in Hobart.

Rusbatch will provide cover for Tom Abercrombie, who's has suffered a quad injury.

Rusbatch is a nominated replacement player, but is unsure whether he'll be heading to the US on the side's pre-season tour next month.



The Breakers play Melbourne United in a pre-season fixture tonight.