Borthwick switches things up as he looks to exploit the tired Japanese legs.

Off – Tuilagi, Steward, George

On – Smith, Lawrence, Dan

Ford is calm and collective as he sends the kick through the posts to add another two points

England dominate at the scrum inside Japan’s five-metre line and Ford’s cross-field kick is inch perfect as Steward hangs out on the wing before collecting the ball and touching it down for a third Roses try.

Lawes departs to get treatment for a cut as Martin is brought on. Ford takes over captaincy duties.

It’s a lot better play from England than what we have seen for so much of this match as Ford dummies and makes ground before being pulled down five metres from the try line. Stuart then knocks on from a pick and go but this is better from Borthwick’s side.

Steve Borthwick finally goes to his bench and makes two changes as Ellis Genge and Ben Youngs replace Marler and Mitchell.

Billy Vunipola is also added into the fray as Ludlam is hooked.

It’s only taken the best part of 58 minutes but finally we have lift-off in Nice as both teams have chances at either end. Earls makes good ground as he gets his head down and smashes through challenges.

Matsushima then shows electric feet to side-step three challenges inside his own 10 metres and carry the ball all the way into England’s half before he is brought down. Sensational skill.

Ford knocks the resulting conversion through the posts and England are back in control.

It’s an error from England but Lawes scores a try after the ball is shown to have bounced off Joe Marler’s head and into the hands of the Roses captain.

England’s errors continue and Matsuda reduces the deficit to just one point as his kick directly in front of the posts sails over.

Japan make their second bunch of changes as they bring in fresh legs to disrupt England.

Loosehead prop Inagaki is replaced by Millar as Valu comes on for Koo.

This match is so erratic as Ford’s kick is brilliantly gathered by Japan full-back Lemeki who then evades a few tackles before being brought down. His pop-pass is then knocked on and Ford boots the ball into the dead-ball zone. Serious lack of quality on show.

England have bodies forward again and break but it all seems so unorganised and Steward then knocks on as he latches onto a Ford pass.

There’s space for Mitchell to try and find Steward with a cross-field kick but instead he opts to give the ball to Itoje who is isolated and Japan turnover and win a penalty. England have to do better when in these situations.

That’s better from England as Daly puts on the afterburners and makes yards. He is chased down by Fakatava who does well to put him into touch.

The trailing side get us restarted and both teams will need an improved performance in the next 40 minutes.

CHRIS FOY IN NICE: England lead 13-9 but that was not a great half at all. They were messy and stodgy in attack – when they did attack, which wasn’t very often.

The ball has been in the air a lot, which won’t have done much for the TV viewing figures at home. Hopefully the spectacle picks up after the break.

It’s poor game management just before half time from Japan as they are penalised again and this time Ford decides to kick. He adds another three more points and that brings up the break.

England win the lineout but immediately make an error as Earl mistimes his pass that is meant for Ludlam and instead hits George in the face with the ball. He knocks it on and there is clearly some miscommunication there.

England try to use their advantage for a Japan player coming in from the side at a maul but Ford’s kick is intercepted. He then opts to kick for touch instead of going for the points.

We have a few quick scrums and a slight break in play as a few players receive treatment. It’s hot, it’s physcial and neither set of players wants to concede an inch.

England lose possession through some sloppy play and the ball is just too far in front of Leitch who watches Earl dive on the ball and get up again before side-stepping the experience Japan star.

The Japan fly-half completes his penalty and pulls his side back to within one point. This match has been incredibly stop-start but it is close.

It was perhaps too big a kick for Ford as he pulls his effort to the right and Japan are off the hook. Japan then win a penalty almost immediately after for a late tackle by Jonny May.

Japan seem rattled as they commit another foul this time for a tackle off the ball. Ford opts to kick for the posts but it’s a long effort to make.

It’s simple for the England fly-half who converts the try with ease.

England use their physicality after winning a lineout five metres from the try line to put Ludlam in the pocket after a pick and go and he bulldozes his way over the try line. Great response.

The Japan number 10 makes no mistake and kicks well from the left-hand side of the pitch. Japan are now in front, can England respond?

A Japan lineout ends with Ben Earl being pinged for offside and that gives Matsuda another chance to kick for three more points.

Water break in Nice as players are given a few minutes to replenish and get fluids onboard. It’s currently 25 degrees in the ground.

England get away with one as Ford’s kick is charged down by Matsuda and suddenly Japan have a chance to score. Mitchell recovers well and Lewis Ludlam does brilliantly to chase back and seal off at the ruck.

England have a scrum midway through their own half and hooker Jamie George can be heard shouting at his team-mates to ‘get physical’. They do exactly that and win the scrum.

All square as Japan’s kick directly in front of the post is sent through the uprights. Easy kick for Matsuda and that will wake England up a bit.

Japan’s interception from that England maul kickstarts a dynamite attack that has England’s defence scrambling. They have an advantage and go for the spectacular but it is hit just too long.

Brillian tfrom England as they surge deep into the Japanese half with a huge maul. They then immediately waste it as Mitchell’s pass is poor and Japan intercept before making yards of their own. End-to-end.

England string a few passes together around the halfway line and break down the left. Daly does well but then knocks the ball on as he is tackled and Japan kick the resulting penalty back upfield.

It’s an early enforced change for Japan as Masirewa concedes he won’t be able to continue and Lomano Lemecki comes on to replace him.

The England full-back finds touch from his own half and that puts Japan under pressure from a lineout. Meanwhile there is concern for Masirewa who has gone down holding his thigh.

The decision to kick wasn’t well supported by England fans in the ground but it gets early points on the board as Ford easily kicks the penalty,

England have a few phases after the scrum and get an advantage for offside. Play is then called back and Ford will kick for the points.

Daly’s kick should be collected comfortably but Masirewa gets it all wrong and knocks the ball on. England win their scrum five metres out.

George Ford gets us started and we are underway in Nice for this Rugby World Cup clash. Stick with us throughout for every big moment.

CHRIS FOY IN NICE: As the teams are coming out, there are quite a lot of empty seats still. Maybe fans are having trouble getting into the stadium, as was the case last week – but there is no way of knowing from inside as it is a sealed arena, with no exterior views.

The great news if you’re cheering on England is that Japan have never won this fixture before.

Tonight is the fourt meeting between the two sides and Japan will be hoping to turn the odds on world rugby’s biggest stage.

England ran out 52-13 winners when they last played Japan at Twickenham in 2022.

The England fly-half was instrumental to success against Argentina and will be tasked with grabbing tonight’s match by the scruff of the neck in a similar fashion.

It would be a surprise to see Ford deploy the same drop-kicking tactic tonight but if he is given creative licence then expect fireworks from the fly-half.

We are just 15 minutes away from kick off in Nice as players finish their warm-ups and head back to the changing rooms. The stadium is filling up nicely and there will be an almighty atmosphere when the players next emerge onto the pitch.

NIK SIMON IN NICE: One thing that struck me in the media centre is the number of Japanese journalists who have travelled over.

They have arrived in force, outnumbering the English contingent despite the 14-hour flight. It’s an indication of how much the game’s popularity has grown in Japan after the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

There will be plenty of fans setting their alarms for 4am Tokyo time to tune in.

Tom Curry’s red card against Argentina ensures he will play no part tonight as he serves a two-match ban for his tackle on Juan Cruz Mallia.

Curry will miss tonight’s match and the next group game against Chile.

CHRIS FOY IN NICE: England are warming up here in Nice and they have been practising plenty of long kicks.

Elliot Daly has drilled over a few shots from beyond the halfway line – with room to spare – and Freddie Steward has even joined in with some successful strikes from distance. Head coach Steve Borthwick is observing the forwards, but leaving his assistants to put the players through their paces.

NIK SIMON: With the thump of tennis balls providing a steady beat in the background, George Ford is talking about Roger Federer. England moved south this week to the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, where Grand Slam champions are taught all about remaining calm and in control.

‘I’ve been fortunate enough to watch Wimbledon a couple of times and seen some five-set matches,’ says Ford, taking in the surroundings where Serena Williams trained for the best part of a decade.

READ THE FULL STORY BELOW

Kick off is under one hour away as both teams prepare to lock horns at the Rugby World Cup. Steve Borthwick’s side will wear their black kit for tonight’s clash.

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has also named a strong side to take on England with four changes to his starting team. Kazuki Himeno will captain his first RWC clash while Michael Leitch will become the nation’s most capped World Cup player on his 15th appearance.

STARTING XV: Masirewa; Matsushima, Osada, Nakamura, Naikabula; Matsuda, Nagare; Inagaki, Horie, Gu, Cornelsen, Fakatava, Leitch, Labuschagne, Himeno (capt)

Replacements: Sakate, Millar, Ai Valu, Dearns, Shimokawa, Saito, Riley, Lemeki.

England head coach Steve Borthwick has largely kept the faith from the team that beat Argentina last time out by making three changes with Lewis Ludlam starting at No.8, Ben Earl shifting to openside flanker, and Kyle Sinckler at tighthead.

STARTING XV: Steward; May, Marchant, Tuilagi, Daly; Ford, Mitchell; Marler, George, Sinckler, Itoje, Chessum, Lawes (capt), Earl, Ludlam.

Replacements: Dan, Genge, Stuart, Martin, Vunipola, Youngs, Smith, Lawrence.

Good evening and welcome to the Nice stadium for tonight’s Rugby World Cup clash between England and Japan. Kick-off is at 8pm but we have so much to cover before then.

Thank you for joining us here, we’ll be wrapping up here for tonight, but if you’re still looking for your rugby fix you can follow our live blog where Mail Sport’s Dan Davis will be bringing you all the latest news updates and information on Ireland’s group stage game against Tonga!

Johnny Sexton starts for Ireland as they look to continue their good run of form at the tournament following their excellent start against Romania, winning 82-8.

Mail Sport’s rugby correspondent Alex Bywater watched on as Wales defeated Portugal in Nice. He brings you his main points of analysis from the match, reflecting on what Wales need to do to improve ahead of their clash against Australia next week.

The story of the match was how good Portugal looked with the ball in hand. While it was job done for Wales, who secured their second straight win of the Rugby World Cup and managed to score a fourth try late on through Toby Faletau to clinch a bonus point.

But it wasn’t a pretty win and Wales will need to improve before they take on Australia next week.

While they never looked like they would lose today’s match, and that is no disrespect to Portugal, who were magnificent, Wales relied on their experience and strength to win today, but lacked a lot of composure on the ball making several uncharacteristic errors throughout the match.

Portugal, meanwhile, were playing in their second-ever Rugby World Cup and first game this tournament and came to play running rugby.

They looked dangerous in attack, with scrum half Marques and fly-half Portela running the show. They attacked at pace and threw the ball around brilliantly, causing problems for Wales’ defenders.

But it was Gatland’s side who would be victorious, with Rees-Zammit opening the scoring with his second try of the tournament skirting down the wing to get Wales off to a flying start.

Johnny Williams was sent to the sin bin in the first half for playing the ball on the floor but would come back onto the field to score Wales’ second try before half time.

Morgan, a late inclusion for Reffell who picked up a knock in the warm-up, added the third, crashing over on the 57th minute, before Wales had a fourth try ruled out for obstruction.

They would continue to press on Portugal, with Faletau driving over late on off the back of a scrum to seal the win and Wales’ bonus point.

It means they’ll go top of Pool C, five points ahead of Australia who play against Fiji tomorrow.

Thats a second-straight win for Wales at the Rugby World Cup, but it ‘wasn’t a pretty’ one, according to Warren Gatland.

‘It wasn’t pretty but we got the job done in the end. Obviously a few guys looked a little bit rusty having not played together for a little while. We’ll take the W and move on,’ he said to ITV.

When asked if his side have a lot to work on ahead of playing Australia next week, he added: ‘Yeah I think so. People had an opportunity today to put their hand up and so we’ll go back and review that and see which guys performed well.

‘The line out didn’t function as well as we’d like. Probably were a bit lateral at times. When we were direct and won contests we looked comfortable.

‘In fairness to Portugal they put us under pressure, they moved the ball and you know i was impressed with them.’

Speaking to ITV, Jac Morgan spoke on his late call up to the squad and admitted Portugal brought a couple of nerve wracking moments throughout the game.

‘Tommy [Reffell] pulled out last minute in the warm up. We just prepped a start as normal and went out and performed.

‘I’ve got to give full credit to Portugal. They really brought that physicality and really tested us a lot. There were a couple of nerve wracking moments. But Portugal were very good.’

That was some game of rugby!

Wales managed to score their fourth try in the dying embers of the match to secure an all-important bonus point.

Stay with us as we’ll have all the latest fall out from the match!

The bunker review team have upgraded Pinto’s card to a red.

As wales kick the conversion to end the match.

Wales are looking for a bonus point here with another try, and they have a scrum just two metres out from in front of the Portugal posts.

We’ve had a lot of scrums today with this being the 18th of the match.

Wales have one last drive for a bonus point and they win the ball, with Toby Falatau gathering the ball at the back of the scrum to power his way over the try line to give wales their fourth try and a bonus point.

Pinto goes up to take a high catch and his foot goes into an unnatural position, catching Adams on the face with his boot.

Listening to Dickson he says ‘it is foul play, and meets the yellow card threshold’ and he will be sent to the sin bin, with the bunker review refree set to take a look at this one.

Perhaps a little harsh as it seemed like the winger had his eyes on the ball the full time, but that will be the end of his game and we won’t find out the decision of the bunker review until after the match.

Obstruction! Dickson denies the try after a review showed that Tomas Francis obstructed a tackler in the build up to the try.

That could be huge if it denies Wales a bonus point!

Five minutes to go and Portugal have a line out in the Welsh half…

Dickson overturns the earlier scrum after receiving information from the TMO, with Grady conceding a penalty after tackling a Portugal player off the ball.

It gives Portugal another chance to have a crack, but they lose possession and Rees-Zammit breaks free before of loading to Gareth Davies in support who dots down behind the goals.

But hold on… the Referee is actually taking a look at this even though the conversion was taken.

Wales have possession and are trying to mount an attack.

From a turn over they manage to recover the ball, but Costelow tries a cross-field kick to Adam and puts the ball into touch.

The play gets pulled back, after Wales knocked the ball on in the build up, with Portgual to put the ball in.

They win a penalty and spread the ball wide showing off their excellent handling skills, but frustratingly knock the ball on again. Meanwing we’ll have another scrum.

Wales have brought Adams on for Halfpenny while Moura has come on for Guedes.

Portugal are seriously asking questions of Wales, they’re support runners are at every tackle and they’re playing some beautiful running rugby here.

Their final pass and composure has just been a little bit off today. But had it not been for that, we’d have a very different score line.

Wales, meanwhile, are showing their experience and are managing the game well and are playing to their strengths in the contact area and at the scrum.

Wow the roof has lifted off the stadium here in Nice!

Portugal have been excellent in the last five minutes building up play in the Welsh 22, winning a penalty and going for the corner.

Off the resulting line out, the Ports execute a stunning training ground move with Rafael Simons beautifully offloading at the top of the line out to Nicolas Martins who surprises the Welsh defenders crashing over for a try.

Marques can’t convert the score from the touchline.

While we’ve been busy Portugal have been making some changes.

Storti has come on for Lima.

And Alves has been replaced by De Freitas.

Storti has had an instant impact in the game, bringing a big spark to the back line, weaving his way around several Wales players with the ball in hand.

Wales were excellent building up phases there, controlling the ball in the tight, with their pack showing their power to bash Portugal back again and again until they got their score.

It’s a similar try to Lake’s try before half time, with Morgan, a late change for the game, is driven over the Portugal try line to get their third try of the match.

I thought he was going to reach for the pocket, but it seems the referee is going to give Portugal another chance, after they spoil an excellent play from Wales.

Off the back of the scrum, Wales attack on the left flank, with Anscombe the play maker.

They force the penalty from their opponents and opt for the scrum.

Taine Basham is on for Dan Lydiate as Wales havee a scrum ten metres out from the Portugal try line.

The scrum goes down, again, and Karl Dickson is having a word with both front rows – telling them to be more stable.

I can sense a card coming here for Portugal if they concede any more penalties…

Rees-Zammit got Wales off to a flying start, scoring his second try of the tournament after touching down against Fiji!

It’s been a slow start to this first half.

Both sides seem to be making some really uncharacteristic errors, with Wales crossing in the middle of the park.

Marques has a crack at goal here from just inside his half, but cant quite thread the needle.

Changes incoming now for Wales, and a new front row is coming on here!

Lake is off for Elias, Domachowski is on for Lewis, Beard on for Jenkins.

It’s a huge shove from the Wales pack, who dominate the scrum and win back possession.

Anscombe floats a lovely chip over the top of the Portugal line, but Marta is there to take the mark.

He boots the ball up field to relieve the pressure.

Their timing, again, is all off here and they engage too early with Dickson blowing up quickly to award Wales a penalty.

Anscombe kicks for touch giving Wales a line out on the Portugal try line, but they can’t hold onto the ball.

Portugal kick the ball out straight away, and Wales, again, cannot control the ball at the line out again.

Portugal now have a scrum in their 22.

Six handling errors from Wales so far to Portugal’s one, while the Ports have struggled with the scrum, Gatland will be disappointed with his side’s composure with the ball in hand as they knock on to give Portugal possession at the start of the second half.

41′ We’re underway again here in Nice! Portugal again have shown their brilliant kicking skills to push wales back into their own half early on here.

Hopefully not. They’ve been seriously impressive.

Portugal certainly look to want to play in the loose with Wales trying to pull them into the contact areas.

Pinto, Guedes and Marta in the back three have been very impressive when they’ve had the ball in hand and will be hoping to get more on the ball in the second half – which is coming up right now!

Portugal have seriously impressed so far in their opening game of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

They’ve played some very attractive rugby, throwing the ball around and causing some real problems for Wales in attack.

They have had several opportunities to score, but just haven’t quite had that clinical touch, with Martins perhaps having their biggest chance to score after breaking through the wales line that was set up by a mazing run from Guedes.

While Wales may have looked a little twichy so far in the first half, they have shown their experiencee and quality to take the lead. Rees-Zammit and Lake both dotted down with some very nicely worked tries, with Wales looking strong in attack.

Portugal, while they have been exciting at times, did seem to be making a few unforced errors at the breakdown and set piece which Gatland’s side have taken advantage of.

Johnny Williams was also shown a yellow card, disappointingly being sent to the sin bin for an unnecessary infringement, playing the ball on the floor.

Yet Wales held on and have settled into the game well. They look to be more in control and have made more metres (422) than their opponents (256) and 26 more carries at the interval.

And Wales get their reward through their captain Dewi Lake, who taps and crashes over from ten metres, using his leg to drive over several Portuguese players.

Halfpenny converts the try and that is half-time in Nice!

Williams did indeed knock on. The ball was squeased out of the back of his arm and the TMO rules no try.

But Wales still have a penalty…

Johnny Williams, after spending ten minutes in the sin bin, has finished off a great few phases, crashing down on the try line.

But it will be checked, as Karl Dickson seems to think he’s knocked on…

Wales are showing their experience here beating Portugal in the scrum and claiming a penalty inside their 22.

Faletau taps and goes and is dragged down before Williams has a crack at the try line.

Marques this time slots this one and it’s exactly what Os Lobos deserve after an excellent first half.

Some big hits going in with prop forward Fernandes putting in a huge hit on a Welsh attacker.

Menawhile, Portugal retain possession and have kicked ANOTHER 50-22.

They retain the lineout and Marques has a stab at a drop goal from 30 metres out, but doesn’t slot the ball through the posts.

Fortunately they have a penalty, right in front of the posts.

Wales have had a good bit of possession, with Toby Faletau breaking through the Portuguese line.

But Os Lobos have turned the tide kicking a stunning 50-22 to regain possession from a lineout just on Wales try line.

Portugal can’t come away with a score though, with referee Dickson awarding a penalty to Wales with Portugal holding the ball at the ruck.

25′ Johnny Williams is sent to the sin bin for playing the ball on the ground stopping Marta from offloading the ball after he broke free down the left wing.

20′ It’s been a very interesting start to the game. Both sides are showing plenty of quality.

Portugal have seriously impressed in attack, throwing the ball around and breaking free from the Welsh defence on multiple occasions.

Wales though were clinical in getting their opening score and, while at times Portugal have been dangerous, seem like they are mostly in control.

Wales have the feed on a scrum now in Portugal’s half and win another penalty with Portugal pre-engaging.

Reece-Zammit celebrates scoring his try by doing Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous celebration!

Finding himself in acres of space the openside flanker breaks free from the Wales defence and but for a superb last ditch tackle from Toby Faletau, he would have almost certainly scored.

Portugal really are playing some excellent running rugby here, with Wales hanging on defensively.

Wales have the heavier pack, at 919kg to Portugal’s 876kg, but its Portugal who win the battle, with referee Karl Dickson giving a free kick in their favour.

They attack down the left wing with Pinto showing his pace down the flank.

But it’s wales who will score first, with Louis Rees-Zammit touching down on the corner against the run of play.

Wales recovered the ball and Jack Morgan’s drew several defenderes before offloading to the winger, who chased after his grubber kick to dot down in the corner.

Halfpenny converts the kick to put Wales 7-0 up.

7′ Portugal are starting to break through the wales defence finding some gaps with some excellent rugby, chipping and chasing over the Welsh defence and look good moving the ball wide.

Wow! Marques, from a pretty comfortable angle, has missed the kick!

3′ Portugal win a line-out in Wales’ 22 and they’re putting the pressure on Wales now. They’re looking comfortable moving the ball around and are maintaining possession nicely in the rucks.

They’re rewarded for their excellent work, winning a penalty for offside and they’ll go for the posts!

Portugal look physical, ushering Wales to the touchlines, but Wales have had the majority of possession to start and look good building up 10 phases making good ground up field.

1′ It’s Portugal kicking to Wales from left-to-right and we’re underway! Wales recover the ball and Williams kicks back upfield and manage to recover possession!

We’ve just had the anthems and we’re ready to go here at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.

There was an almighty roar at the end of the Portuguese anthem, they are certainly up for this one!

Portugal head coach and former France winger Patrice Lagisquet, who is also known as the ‘Bayonne Express’ has been speaking to S4C on what today’s match means for Portugal and claimed that it will be an emotional day.

‘For the players this is an emotional occasion, we have a lot of supporters, more than ever maybe,’ he said.

‘The players have to focus on what they have to do, if they get too emotional they won’t perform how they’d like but it’ll be difficult for the players, you never know what will happen.’

Flanker Tommy Reffell has picked up a knock in the warm-up so has been replaced by Jac Morgan.

The players are in the house and have been warming up ahead of today’s match.

Kick off is less than ten minutes away!

Warren Gatland has admitted that Wales will need to be at their best today and show no complacency, claiming that Portugal, who are big underdogs in this match up, could be a ‘potential banana skin’.

The Wales boss, speaking on Portugal, said: ‘They have nothing to lose and they deserve to be here at the world cup this is their first game and for us it’s always potentially a banana skin.

‘We’ve made some changes and the message to those players is go out there and give a good performance and put your hand up for selection against Australia.

‘It was a tough last 10 minutes against Fiji last week, but at 32-14 we were really happy with the way things had gone but typical Fiji came back and it was a nail biter. We got there in the end.’

Wales defeated Fiji 32-26 in their opening Rugby World Cup match last weekend, holding out to secure the victory in what was an extraordinary contest.

Fiji pushed on the Welsh right to the end and showed their physicality and athleticism asking big questions of Warren Gatland’s side.

Semi Radradra could have changed the narrative significantly, after he fumbled the ball ahead of the try line late on in the match.

Wales managed to hold on but it was a tight finish to an enthralling game!

Portugal qualified for Group C of the Rugby World Cup after a last gasp drop-goal saw them draw 16-16 against USA in a four-team qualifying tourament earlier this year in Dubai.

They advanced to the World Cup amassing the most points from that tournament.

Portugal and Wales, meanwhile, have never played against eachother in the professional era. Their only meeting came in 1994 Wales won 102-11 during the 1995 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

During the 2007 tournament, Portugal lost each of their four group matches against Scotland, the All Blacks, Italy and Romania.

But they have come a very long way in recent years, having finished second in the European Rugby Championship this year.

Portugal had to wait eight days to open only their second Rugby World Cup campaign.

They last appeared in the tournament in Paris in 2007 but today will be lead out by their captain Tomas Appleton, who plays rugby part-time and runs his own dental surgery in Lisbon.

Portugal XV: Guedes; Pinto, Lima, Appleton (capt), Marta; Portela, Marques; Fernandes, Tadjer, Alves, Bello, Cerqueira, Granate, Martins, Simoes.

Replacements: Costa, Campergue, Ferreira, Freitas, Wallis, Lucas, Moura, Storti.

Gareth Anscombe missed the 2019 Rugby World Cup after suffering a serious knee injury, but today he’ll make his first appearance at the tournament since their quarter-finals match against South Africa at the 2015 tournament.

He’ll don the 10 jersey today for Wales against Portugal and spoke about how grateful he was to Gatland for backing him to play at the World Cup.

‘To have the backing of the coaching staff was great,’ said Anscombe.

‘They spoke to me and said I was still in their plans, which was nice to hear. It’s been about getting myself right and ready for when an opportunity presented itself and here we are this weekend.

‘I’m expecting there to be a little bit of rust but hoping it will be fairly limited and I just want to do my role for the team.’

Wales boss Warren Gatland has made a whopping 13 changes from his side that played against Fiji and he’s given some insight into why he’s made those changes.

Speaking to ITV he was asked whether the changes weree made because of injuries or a desire to rest players.

He replied, speaking on his playing cohort: ‘There was a lot of sore bodies, but also the six day turn around, short preparation.

‘I think this squad have all worked really hard over the last few months and we wanted to make sure that we gave as many people as possible the chance to get some rugby you never know what injuries we’ll pick up but the message is to put your hands up for selection next week.’

Warren Gatland has named THIRTEEN changes from his team that played against Fiji last week including a new front row that sees Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake and Dillon Lewis come in, with Lake set to captain the side.

Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins come into the second row replacing Will Rowlands and Adam Beard, with Dan Lydiate, Tom Reffell and Toby Faletau coming in to the back row.

Lee Halfpenny comes in to replace Liam Reffell T. at full-back with Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscomb being chosen to play at nine and 10.

Wales XV: L Halfpenny; Rees-Zammit, Grady, J Williams, Dyer; Anscombe, T Williams; Smith, Lake (capt), D Lewis, Tshiunza, Jenkins, Lydiate, Reffell, Faletau.

Replacements Elias, Domachowski, Francis, Beard, Basham, G Davies, Costelow, Adams.

Welcome to our live blog for today’s Rugby World Cup Match between Wales and Portugal!

Wales are looking for their second successive win of the tournament today against minnows Portugal, after they defeated Fiji last weekend.

Portugal get their campaign underway with this beeing their first match in Pool D, in only their second ever appearance at the Rugby World Cup.

We’ll be bringing you all the live updates analysis and commentary from this afternoon’s match but let’s take a look at the latest team news from both camps.

This is the team chosen by Romania Head Coach Eugen Apjok for the test of trying to topple the world’s best team. He’s made three changes from their heavy defeat to Italy three weeks ago. Cristi Chirica captains the side in Bordeaux.

Ireland have confirmed their previously announced team, with one change among the replacements. Mack Hansen comes into the 23, replacing Robbie Henshaw, who misses out as a precaution.

Jonny Sexton captains the side in his first outing since March, while forwards Dan Sheehan, Jack Conan and Dave Kilcoyne remain absent through injury.

Hello, and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the first match in Group B of this year’s Rugby World Cup, seeing Ireland – the world’s leading team by ranking – take on Romania.

After France’s win yesterday, and Italy dominant in action right now, Andy Farrell’s side will also want to get off to the best possible start.

Action in Bordeaux begins at 3.30pm local time, which is 2.30pm in Ireland and the UK, or about an hour away. We’ll have all the build-up and action right here.

Andy Farrell, Ireland’s Head Coach, arrives at the stadium ahead of the match

Here’s Nik Simon’s view of the ceremony.

‘Plenty of jeers for Emmanuel Macron as the French President takes the microphone to declare the World Cup open. Smoke clearing above the stadium from a spectacular fly over. There’s a buzz around this one!

‘Big blow for New Zealand as captain Sam Cane pulls out with an injury that was picked up in yesterday’s captain’s run. Meanwhile, it’s time for another singalong…’

Beaumont is trying to get spectators to be quiet. That is not going to happen.

In English, he speaks about the origination of rugby and how there’s no better to celebrrate its 200 year anniversary than in France.

He finishes by thanking those involved in the preparations for the tournament and bigging up the next seven weeks.

Macron then comes to the stand to a series of boos. Politics, I guess.

He’s said something about France being the focus of rugby for the next few weeks – a revolutionary statement – and bigs up Francr a bit (a lot).

He finishes by declaring the tournamnet open.

Oh, nope, a few of them are doing it.

Several fireworks around the outside of the stadium bring an end to proceedings.

Really enjoyed that, actually.

Sir Bill Beaumont and Emmanuel Macron will give the opening speeches.

The flags of all the competing counties are now on display as the actors and volunteers make their ways aroudn the outside of the arena to a popular tune.

I don’t know the some, but 60,000 French people do, and they’re having a darn good time.

Some planes reveal the colours of the French flag before one guy crowd surfs over some of the volunteers.

Oh, William Webb Ellis is here!

There’s a big of a fight breaking out over the hat and the man who pretty much invented rugby wants to ensure play is fair. ‘The players are artists’, he says.

I’ll be honest, I don’t totally understand what’s going on, but there’s been a great case of food, music and fashion so far.

It’s supposed to be a ‘poetic and colorful journey’ full of both ‘humour and self-deprecation’.

The fashionista’s hat has just been blown away. All part of the show, with several men trying to now reclaim the hat.

There are several people out on the field for the show, with French celebritiesi involved too.

This is what the organisers of the tournament said on the show: ‘These guests of honour, who come from the worlds of film, music, dance, urban culture, but also gastronomy and craftsmanship, will be at the heart of this Opening Ceremony. They will take the 80,000 fans at the Stade de France and millions of TV viewers on a poetic and colorful journey, through a story of romance and brotherhood.’

There’s a lot of dancing and everyone looks very happy, that’s for sure.

There’s a man – Jean Duhardin -using a baguette as a rugby ball to start.

He’s now cycling his baguettes to the field.

What a proud moment this must be for France and its people.

While we wait for the opening ceremony…

Another man we have out in France, Chris Foy, has arrived at the ground ahead of tonight’s opener.

The Stade de France is already bouncing and packed full of excited spectators and tonight promises to be a huge game for France, who of course chose to face the All Blacks tonight.

It’s almost time for the opening ceremony to get underway, a big moment for any host nation. It is in this case, of course, France.

The ceremony is to move away from traditional styles, going back in time to tell the story of French culture using a series of actors and volunteers.

Jean Duhardin is and actor and co-writer of this ceremony, and will lead it as the individuals embody France’s culture and art of living, I’m told.

Two of our people in France for the tournament, Nik Simon and Kevin Quigley, are going to be documenting their travels through the country during the tournament.

The first epidsode is out now, and can be checked out down below.

Preparation hasn’t been ideal for New Zealand, losing 35-7 in their final warm-up game against South Africa, but there are four chances to the XV that started that game.

Anton Lienert-Brown and Nepo Laulala are among those that come in. Scott Barrett starts despite his red card against the Springboks.

New Zealand: B Barrett, Jordan, Ioane, Lienert-Brown, Telea, Mo’unga, Smith, De Groot, Taylor, Laulala, Whitelock, S Barrett, Papalii, Cane, Savea.

Replacements: Taukei’aho, Tu’ungafasi, Newell, Vaa’i, Jacobson, Christie, Havili, Fainga’anuku.

Let’s have a run through of the teams for tonight, then. Hosts France first up.

Jonathan Danty and Cyril Baille are going to miss the next couple of weeks, while others including fly-half Romain Ntamack will miss the tournament altogether.

France: Ramos, Penaud, Fickou, Moefana, Villiere, Jalibert, Dupont, Wardi, Marchand, Atonio, Woki, Flament, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt.

Replacements: Mauvaka, Gros, Aldegheri, Taofifenua, Boudehent, Lucu, Vincent, Jaminet.

On paper, we have the two favourites for the tournament going at it tonight. A potential dress rehearsal for the final.

In truth, there won’t be huge ramifications for whoever loses this evening.

With Namibia, Italy and Uruguay the other three sides in Pool A, both teams on show tonight will feel comfortable about their chances of making it through to the next stage, no matter what happens tonight.

But victory tonight will go a long way to claiming top spot and will be huge for the mental edge for the rest of the tournament.

And there’s history between the two sides. The 1987 and 2011 New Zealand victories, the 1999 and 2007 France comebacks… No two sides have faced each other more in World Cup competition.

It’s the battle of the juggernauts.

Good evening one and all and welcome to Mail Sport’s live coverage of the Rugby World Cup opener between France and New Zealand.

After what feels like months of talk the competition has arrived and what a cracker we have to get us underway for the competition.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15, with the opening ceremony from 7.