View source for 2019 Rugby World Cup

{{Short description|Ninth edition of the Rugby World Cup}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox Rugby World Cup
|logo=2019 Rugby World Cup (logo).svg
| other_titles = <small>{{langx|ja|ラグビーワールドカップ2019}}</small>
| datefrom     = 20 September 
| dateto       = 2 November 
| host         = Japan
| nations      = 20 (97 qualifying)
| champion     = {{ru|South Africa}}
| count        = 3
| runnerup     = {{ru|England}}
| third        = {{ru|New Zealand}}
| matches      = 45
| tries        = 285
| points       = 2196
| attendance   = 1698528
| amp          = 
| top_scorer   = {{ruicon|RSA}} [[Handré Pollard]] (69)
| most_tries   = {{ruicon|WAL}} [[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]] (7)
| best player  = 
| prev  = [[2015 Rugby World Cup|2015]]
| next = [[2023 Rugby World Cup|2023]]
}}
The '''2019 Rugby World Cup''' ({{langx|ja|ラグビーワールドカップ2019}}) was the ninth edition of the [[Rugby World Cup]], the quadrennial world championship for men's [[rugby union]] teams. It was hosted in [[Japan]] from 20 September to 2 November in 12 venues all across the country. The opening match was played at [[Ajinomoto Stadium]] in [[Chōfu, Tokyo]], with the final match being held at [[Nissan Stadium (Yokohama)|International Stadium Yokohama]] in [[Yokohama]]. This was the first time that the tournament had taken place in Asia and outside the traditional [[List of international rugby union teams#Tier 1|Tier 1]] rugby nations.

The tournament saw the first cancellation of matches at the Rugby World Cup with [[Typhoon Hagibis]] affecting three matches due to the expected impact on safety that the typhoon would have.

[[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] beat [[England national rugby union team|England]] 32−12 in the [[2019 Rugby World Cup Final|final]] to claim their third title, equalling [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]]'s record. In doing so, South Africa became the first team to win the title after losing a match in the pool stage. The defending champions, New Zealand, finished third after defeating [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] in the bronze final.

==Host country selection==
{{See also|Rugby World Cup hosts}}

The [[International Rugby Board]] (IRB) requested that any members wishing to host the [[2015 Rugby World Cup]] and/or the 2019 event should indicate their interest by 15 August 2008, though no details had to be provided at that stage. A record 10 unions responded, with the 2019 tournament of interest to nine nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7564403.stm|title=IRB confirm 2015 & 2019 host bids|date=15 August 2008|access-date=1 October 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> [[Russia]] initially announced plans to bid for both events, but withdrew both in February 2009 in favour of what proved to be a successful bid for the [[2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rwcsevens.com/home/news/newsid=2029106.html |title=Russia keen to bid for RWC Sevens 2013 |publisher=World Rugby|work=Rugby World Cup Sevens|date=13 February 2009|access-date=15 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527124305/http://www.rwcsevens.com/home/news/newsid%3D2029106.html |archive-date=27 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.rwcsevens.com/home/news/newsid=2037312.html |title=Russia to host Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013|publisher=World Rugby|work=Rugby World Cup Sevens |date=12 May 2010|access-date=1 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015060352/http://www.rwcsevens.com/home/news/newsid%3D2037312.html|archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> [[Australia]] withdrew from the bidding process on 6 May 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia withdraws 2019 Cup bid |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8035192.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 May 2009 |access-date=6 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509214017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8035192.stm |archive-date=9 May 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The three potential hosts – Italy, Japan and South Africa – were announced on 8 May 2009.<ref name="IRB-interest">{{cite web |url=http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2031234.html |title=IRB confirms record RWC bid response |date=8 May 2009|publisher=International Rugby Board |access-date=9 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511095243/http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid%3D2031234.html |archive-date=11 May 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> At a special meeting held in [[Dublin]] on 28 July 2009, the IRB confirmed that England would be hosts in 2015 and Japan in 2019, with the approval of the tournament organisers Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWC Ltd), going in favour 16–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8170488.stm|title=England will host 2015 World Cup|date=28 July 2009|access-date=10 October 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>

==Venues==

The IRB (which was renamed World Rugby in November 2014), RWC Ltd, the [[Japan Rugby Football Union]] (JRFU) and host organisers Japan 2019 went through a process of asking for expressions of interest and meeting with and explaining game hosting requirements to interested parties from late 2013. In May 2014, it was announced that 22 municipal and prefectural organisations across Japan had expressed interest. Those organisations were asked to enter formal bids by 31 October 2014. On 5 November, organisers announced that 14 bids had been received. [[Hong Kong]] and [[Singapore]] had expressed interest in hosting some of the matches and were included in Japan's bid,<ref name=BBC28072009>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/8170488.stm |title=England will host 2015 World Cup |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2009 |access-date=28 July 2009}}</ref> but were not among the 14 [[stadium]]s announced in 2014. Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, venue for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup Final]] and [[Niigata (city)|Niigata]]'s [[Denka Big Swan Stadium]], also a World Cup venue, decided not to bid.

Several changes to the venues submitted in the JRFU's original 2009 bid were made. The JRFU's own [[Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium|Chichibunomiya Stadium]] in [[Tokyo]], suitable for smaller interest games in the capital, was not included in the plan. The JRFU selected the larger and more modern 50,000-seat [[Yanmar Stadium Nagai|Nagai multi-purpose stadium]] as its preferred venue for games in [[Osaka]], though [[East Osaka]] City, which had taken over the [[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]] from long-time corporate owners [[Kintetsu Group Holdings|Kintetsu]] in April 2015, submitted a joint bid with Osaka Municipality, intending to refurbish the stadium. [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]], [[Hamamatsu, Shizuoka|Hamamatsu]], [[Kyoto]], [[Ōita (city)|Ōita]], [[Nagasaki]] and [[Kumamoto]] were also not part of the JRFU's bid. While the bids included venues from a broad area of Japan, two areas were not involved in hosting: Hokushin'etsu ([[Hokuriku region|Hokuriku]] and [[Kōshin'etsu region]]s), which includes the city of Niigata; and the [[Chūgoku region]], which includes [[Hiroshima]] and the nearby island of [[Shikoku]]. No city in Chūgoku hosted games at the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], but Hiroshima did host games in the [[2006 FIBA World Championship]].{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

The [[Japan National Stadium|new National Stadium]] in Tokyo being constructed for the [[2020 Summer Olympics]] was expected to be the primary venue of the tournament. However, the original plans were scrapped and rebid in 2015 due to criticism over its design and increasing costs. As a consequence, it would no longer be completed in time.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35158004|title=New design for Tokyo Olympic stadium|date=22 December 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=16 October 2019}}</ref> The fixtures assigned to the stadium were re-located, with the opening match moved to Ajinomoto Stadium and the final moved to Nissan Stadium in [[Yokohama]].<ref name=0915roadmap>{{cite press release|title=World Rugby approves revised Japan 2019 hosting roadmap|url=http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/101763|publisher=World Rugby|date=28 September 2015|access-date=28 September 2015}}</ref>

{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
![[Yokohama]]
![[Hamamatsu, Shizuoka|Hamamatsu]]<br />([[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]])
![[Tokyo]]<br />([[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]])
![[Nagoya, Aichi|Nagoya]]<br />([[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota City]])
![[Sapporo]]
|-
|[[International Stadium Yokohama]]
|[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]]
|[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]]
|[[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]]
|[[Sapporo Dome]]
|-
|Capacity: '''72,327'''
|Capacity: '''50,889'''
|Capacity: '''49,970'''
|Capacity: '''45,000'''
|Capacity: '''41,410'''
|-
|[[File:International Stadium Yokohama-1.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:Ecopa030304.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:Ajinomoto Stadium 2018-13.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:JPNxGEO20180623 (4).jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:Sapporo Dome Rugby Mode, April-30 2018 03.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|-
![[Ōita (city)|Ōita]]
!colspan="3" rowspan="4"|{{Location map+|Japan|float=center|width=600|caption=|places={{Location map~ |Japan |lat=32.836944 |long=130.8 |label=<small>[[Egao Kenko Stadium|Kumamoto Stadium]]</small> |position=bottom |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=33.200556 |long=131.6575   |label=<small>[[Showa Denko Dome Oita|Oita Stadium]]</small> |position=right |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=33.585889 |long=130.46079  |label=<small>[[Level5 Stadium|Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium]]</small> |position=top |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=35.664270 |long=139.527151 |label=<!--AJINOMOTO--> |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=35.510044 |long=139.606247 |label=<small>[[Nissan Stadium (Yokohama)|International Stadium Yokohama]]</small> |position=bottom |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=34.743222 |long=137.970503 |label=<small>[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]]</small> |position=bottom |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=34.668944 |long=135.626389 |label=<small>[[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]]</small> |position=bottom |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=35.0845   |long=137.170611 |label=<small>[[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]]</small> |position=top |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=43.015172 |long=141.409767 |label=<small>[[Sapporo Dome]]</small> |position=top |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=34.656708 |long=135.168964 |label=<!--KOBE--> |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=36.15     |long=139.383333 |label=<small>[[Kumagaya Rugby Ground|Kumagaya Rugby Stadium]]</small> |position=top |marksize=6 }}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=39.266667 |long=141.883333 |label=<small>[[Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium]]</small> |position=right |marksize=6 }}
<!--DISPLAY FIXES-->
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=35.874270 |long=139.527151 |label=<small>[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]]</small> |position=right |mark=TransparentPlaceholder.png}}
{{Location map~ |Japan |lat=35.056708 |long=135.168964 |label=<small>[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]]</small> |position=left |mark=TransparentPlaceholder.png}}}}
![[Kobe]]
|-
|[[Showa Denko Dome Oita|Oita Stadium]]
|[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]]
|-
|Capacity: '''40,000'''
|Capacity: '''30,132'''
|-
|[[File:Ooita Stadium20090514.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:Kobe Wing Stadium 20131222.JPG|200x200px|alt=]]
|-
![[Osaka (city)|Osaka]]<br />([[Higashiosaka, Osaka|Higashiosaka]])
![[Kumamoto]]
![[Kumagaya, Saitama|Kumagaya]]
![[Fukuoka]]
![[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]]
|-
|[[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]]
|[[Egao Kenko Stadium|Kumamoto Stadium]]
|[[Kumagaya Rugby Ground|Kumagaya Rugby Stadium]]
|[[Level5 Stadium|Fukuoka Hakatanom ori Stadium]]
|[[Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium]]
|-
|Capacity: '''24,100'''
|Capacity: '''32,000'''
|Capacity: '''24,000'''
|Capacity: '''20,049'''
|Capacity: '''16,020'''
|-
|[[File:Higashi Osaka Hanazono Rugby Stadium ground.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:Kumamoto Stadium 2015.jpg|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:Kumagayarugby-07.JPG|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:レベルファイブスタジアム3.JPG|200x200px|alt=]]
|[[File:釜石鵜住居復興スタジアム.jpg|200px]]
|}

==Qualifying==
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup qualifying}}

[[File:2019 Rugby World Cup Qualifying Process Diagram.svg|thumb|alt=See caption|Qualification illustrated]]
[[File:2019 Rugby World Cup Qualifying.png|thumb|upright=1.1|{{resize|85%|{{color box|#0000ff}}&nbsp;Qualified{{spaces|2}}{{color box|#ffc000}}&nbsp;Did not qualify<br/>{{color box|#cccccc}}&nbsp;{{replace|Did not enter or not a World Rugby full member| |&thinsp;}}}}]]

The top three teams from the pools at the 2015 World Cup received an automatic spot, with the remaining eight teams coming from the qualifying series around the world. Six of the remaining eight spots available were filled by regional qualifiers with the additional two spots being filled in [[2019 Rugby World Cup – play-off qualifications|play-off]]. Qualifying was split into five regional groups; [[2019 Rugby World Cup – Africa qualification|Africa]], [[2019 Rugby World Cup – Americas qualification|Americas]], [[2019 Rugby World Cup – Asia qualification|Asia]], [[2019 Rugby World Cup – Europe qualification|Europe]] and [[2019 Rugby World Cup – Oceania qualification|Oceania]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying|title=RWC 2019 Qualifying|date=12 February 2016|access-date=30 September 2019|publisher=World Rugby|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424034920/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 1 July 2017, the [[United States national rugby union team|United States]] became the first team to qualify after defeating [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]] in the two-leg match to qualify as America 1.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/264256|title=USA book place at RWC 2019 in style|date=2 July 2017|access-date=30 September 2019|publisher=World Rugby}}</ref> The following two weeks saw Fiji and [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]] booking their spots as Oceania 1 and 2 respectively.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.world.rugby/pnc/news/266244|title=Tonga qualify for RWC 2019 as Oceania 2|date=15 July 2019|access-date=30 September 2019|publisher=World Rugby|archive-date=15 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715210214/http://www.worldrugby.org/pnc/news/266244|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]] later confirmed their spot as the third Oceanic team with a win over [[Germany national rugby union team|Germany]] in a two-legged tie the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/samoa-beat-germany-to-qualify-for-the-2019-rugby-world-cup/news-story/6a0a0991391ba9efea51be3e9b2d9ed0|title=Samoa beat Germany to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup|publisher=Associated Press|date=15 July 2018|access-date=30 September 2019}}</ref> In January 2018, [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]] became the fourth team to qualify with a 10-point victory over [[Canada]] across the two legs to book a spot as Americas 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/308903?lang=en|title=Uruguay qualify for RWC 2019|date=3 February 2018|access-date=1 October 2019|publisher=Rugby World Cup}}</ref>

In March, [[Romania national rugby union team|Romania]] initially qualified to take the spot as Europe 1.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/320148|title=Romania qualify for Rugby World Cup 2019|date=18 March 2018|access-date=1 October 2019|publisher=Rugby World Cup}}</ref> But after complaints from the Spanish into an investigation of ineligible players, it was deemed that Romania, [[Spain national rugby union team|Spain]] and [[Belgium national rugby union team|Belgium]] all broke the eligibility rules and were deducted points which meant Russia qualified for the World Cup while Germany headed to the play-off against Samoa.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/44130763|title=Rugby World Cup 2019: Russia qualify after Spain, Belgium and Romania sanctioned|first=Chris|last=Jones|publisher=BBC Sport|date=15 May 2018|access-date=1 October 2019}}</ref> In August, [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] became the final team to qualify from the continental tournaments after defeating [[Kenya national rugby union team|Kenya]] in the final round of the [[2018 Rugby Africa season|Rugby Africa Gold Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.namibian.com.na/180619/archive-read/Namibia-qualify-for-2019-Rugby-World-Cup|title=Namibia qualify for 2019 Rugby World Cup|location=[[Windhoek]]|date=18 August 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|publisher=[[The Namibian]]}}</ref> The final spot was decided by a [[2019 Rugby World Cup – play-off qualifications#Repechage 2|repechage]] tournament in [[Marseille]] in November 2018, which was won by Canada after winning all three of their games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/rugby/canada-world-cup-rugby-1.4918877|title=Canada beats Hong Kong to qualify for 2019 Rugby World Cup|date=24 November 2018|access-date=14 October 2019|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Qualifying teams
|-
!Region
!Team
!Qualification<br />method
!Previous<br /> {{tooltip|Apps|appearances}}
!Previous best result
![[World Rugby Rankings|World<br />Ranking]]{{ref|1|1}}
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Rugby Africa|Africa]]
|{{no wrap|{{ru|RSA}}}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|6
|data-sort-value="1"|'''Champions''' {{small|(1995, 2007)}}
|align=center|4
|-
|{{ru|NAM}}
|Africa 1
|align=center|5
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|23
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[Rugby Americas North|Americas North]]
|{{no wrap|{{ru|USA}}}}
|Americas 1
|align=center|7
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|13
|-
|{{no wrap|{{ru|CAN}}}}
|Final Qualifier
|align=center|7
|data-sort-value="9"|Quarter-finals
|align=center|22
|-
|rowspan=1|[[Asia Rugby|Asia]]
|{{ru|JPN}}
|Hosts
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|10
|-
|rowspan=8|[[Rugby Europe|Europe]]
|{{ru|ENG}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="1"|'''Champions''' {{small|(2003)}}
|align=center|3
|-
|{{ru|FRA|1974}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="2"|Runners-up {{small|(1987, 1999, 2011)}}
|align=center|8
|-
|{{ru|GEO}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|4
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|12
|-
|{{ru|IRE}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="5"|Quarter-finals {{small|({{tooltip|six times|1987, 1991, 1995, 2003, 2011, 2015}})}}
|align=center|1
|-
|{{ru|ITA}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|14
|-
|{{ru|RUS}}
|Europe 1
|align=center|1
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|20
|-
|{{ru|SCO}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="4"|Fourth place {{small|(1991)}}
|align=center|7
|-
|{{ru|WAL}}
||Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="3"|Third place {{small|(1987)}}
|align=center|5
|-
|rowspan=5|[[Oceania Rugby|Oceania]]
|{{ru|AUS}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="1"|'''Champions''' {{small|(1991, 1999)}}
|align=center|6
|-
|{{ru|FIJ}}
|Oceania 1
|align=center|7
|data-sort-value="5"|Quarter-finals {{small|(1987, 2007)}}
|align=center|9
|-
|{{nowrap|{{ru|NZL}}}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="1"|'''Champions''' {{small|(1987, 2011, 2015)}}
|align=center|2
|-
|{{ru|SAM}}
|Play-off winner
|align=center|7
|data-sort-value="5"|Quarter-finals {{small|(1991, 1995)}}
|align=center|16
|-
|{{ru|TON}}
|Oceania 2
|align=center|7
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|15
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Sudamérica Rugby|Sudamérica]]
|{{ru|ARG}}
|Top 3 in 2015 RWC pool
|align=center|8
|data-sort-value="3"|Third place {{small|(2007)}}
|align=center|11
|-
|{{ru|URU}}
|Americas 2
|align=center|3
|data-sort-value="9"|Pool stage
|align=center|19
|}

==Draw==

The pool draw took place<ref name="rte-draw-1">{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0510/873969-rugby-world-cup-draw-2019-ireland-pool/|title=Ireland land favourable Rugby World Cup draw|date=10 May 2017|publisher=RTE Sport|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> on 10 May 2017, in Kyoto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/206713 |title=Date confirmed Rugby World Cup 2019 pool draw |work=Rugby World Cup |publisher=World Rugby |date=24 November 2016 |access-date=1 May 2017 }}</ref> The draw was moved from its traditional place of December in the year following the previous World Cup, after the November internationals, so that nations had a longer period of time to increase their world rankings ahead of the draw.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/may/10/rugby-world-cup-draw-2019-live|title=Rugby World Cup 2019 draw: England land France and Argentina – as it happened|date=10 May 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=11 May 2017|publisher=Guardian News and Media|first=Barry|last=Glendinning}}</ref>

The seeding system from previous Rugby World Cups was retained with the 12 automatic qualifiers from 2015 being allocated to their respective bands based on their [[World Rugby Rankings]] on the day of the draw:

* '''Band 1:''' The four highest-ranked teams
* '''Band 2:''' The next four highest-ranked teams
* '''Band 3:''' The final four directly qualified teams

The remaining two bands were made up of the eight qualifying teams, with allocation to each band being based on the previous Rugby World Cup playing strength:
* '''Band 4:''' – Oceania 1, Americas 1, Europe 1, Africa 1
* '''Band 5:''' – Oceania 2, Americas 2, Play-off Winner, Repechage Winner

This meant the 20 teams, qualified and qualifiers, were seeded thus (world ranking as of 10 May 2017):
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:left"
!style="width:10em"|Band 1
!style="width:10em"|Band 2
!style="width:10em"|Band 3
!style="width:14em"|Band 4
!style="width:12em"|Band 5
|- style="vertical-align:top"
|{{plainlist|
*{{ru|NZL|name=New Zealand}} <small>(1)</small>
*{{ru|ENG}} <small>(2)</small>
*{{ru|AUS}} <small>(3)</small>
*{{ru|IRE}} <small>(4)</small>
}}
|{{plainlist|
*{{ru|SCO}} <small>(5)</small>
*{{ru|FRA|1974}} <small>(6)</small>
*{{ru|RSA|name=South Africa}} <small>(7)</small>
*{{ru|WAL}} <small>(8)</small>
}}
|{{plainlist|
*{{ru|ARG}} <small>(9)</small>
*{{ru|JPN}} <small>(11)</small>
*{{ru|GEO}} <small>(12)</small>
*{{ru|ITA}} <small>(15)</small>
}}
|{{plainlist|
*{{ru|FIJ}} <small>{{nowrap|(Oceania 1)}}</small>
*{{ru|USA}} <small>{{nowrap|(Americas 1)}}</small>
*{{ru|RUS}} <small>{{nowrap|(Europe 1)}}</small>
*{{ru|NAM}} <small>{{nowrap|(Africa 1)}}</small>
}}
|{{plainlist|
*{{ru|TON}} <small>{{nowrap|(Oceania 2)}}</small>
*{{ru|URU}} <small>{{nowrap|(Americas 2)}}</small>
*{{ru|SAM}} <small>{{nowrap|(Play-off)}}</small>
*{{ru|CAN}} <small>{{nowrap|(Repechage)}}</small>
}}
|}

The draw saw a representative randomly draw a ball from a pot; the first drawn ball went to Pool A, the second Pool B, the third Pool C and the fourth Pool D.

==Squads==
{{See also|2019 Rugby World Cup squads}}

Each team submitted a squad of 31 players for the tournament, the same as the 2015 tournament. These squads were to be submitted to World Rugby with the deadline being 8 September with the United States being the last team to reveal their squad on 6 September.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-squad-list-every-team-player-nation-england-wales-new-zealand-france-a9057256.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921000819/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-squad-list-every-team-player-nation-england-wales-new-zealand-france-a9057256.html |archive-date=2019-09-21 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Rugby World Cup 2019 squads: Every player from every team announced for Japan|date=19 September 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|first=Jack|last=de Menezes|work=[[The Independent]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/450190|title=Eagles opt for versatility in Rugby World Cup selection|date=9 September 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|publisher=World Rugby}}</ref>

==Match officials==

World Rugby named the following 12 referees, seven assistant referees and four television match officials to handle the 48 matches:<ref name="Officials">{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/419165|title=Match officials selected for RWC 2019: Introducing Team 21|publisher=[[World Rugby]]|access-date=7 May 2019}}</ref>

{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
;Referees
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Wayne Barnes]] <small>([[Rugby Football Union|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Luke Pearce]] <small>([[Rugby Football Union|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Jérôme Garcès]] <small>([[French Rugby Federation|France]])</small>
* {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Romain Poite]] <small>([[French Rugby Federation|France]])</small>
* {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Pascal Gaüzère]] <small>([[French Rugby Federation|France]])</small>
* {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Mathieu Raynal]] <small>([[French Rugby Federation|France]])</small>
* {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Nigel Owens]] <small>([[Welsh Rugby Union|Wales]])</small>
* {{flagicon|RSA}} [[Jaco Peyper]] <small>([[South African Rugby Union|South Africa]])</small>
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Ben O'Keeffe]] <small>([[New Zealand Rugby|New Zealand]])</small>
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Paul Williams (rugby referee)|Paul Williams]] <small>([[New Zealand Rugby Union|New Zealand]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Nic Berry]] <small>([[Rugby Australia|Australia]])</small>
* {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Angus Gardner]] <small>([[Rugby Australia|Australia]])</small>

{{col-2}}
;Assistant referees
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Matthew Carley]] <small>([[Rugby Football Union|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Karl Dickson]] <small>([[Rugby Football Union|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|IRE|rugby union}} [[Andrew Brace]] <small>([[Irish Rugby Football Union|Ireland]])</small>
* {{flagicon|NZL}} [[Brendon Pickerill]] <small>([[New Zealand Rugby Union|New Zealand]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ARG}} [[Federico Anselmi]] <small>([[Argentine Rugby Union|Argentina]])</small>
* {{flagicon|JPN}} [[Shuhei Kubo]] <small>([[Japan Rugby Football Union|Japan]])</small>
* {{flagicon|FRA|1974}} [[Alexandre Ruiz]] <small>([[French Rugby Federation|France]])</small>

;Television match officials
* {{flagicon|ENG}} Graham Hughes <small>([[Rugby Football Union|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|ENG}} Rowan Kitt <small>([[Rugby Football Union|England]])</small>
* {{flagicon|NZL}} Ben Skeen <small>([[New Zealand Rugby Union|New Zealand]])</small>
* {{flagicon|RSA}} [[Marius Jonker]] <small>([[South African Rugby Union|South Africa]])</small>
{{Col-end}}

==Opening ceremony==
[[File:Rugby World Cup 190920d10.jpg|thumb|Dancers at the opening ceremony]]
[[File:Rugby World Cup 190920f2.jpg|thumb|A model of [[Mount Fuji]] at the opening ceremony with the teams in the finals being introduced]]

The opening ceremony took place at [[Ajinomoto Stadium]] in Tokyo on 20 September 2019 at 18:30 ([[Japan Standard Time|JST]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/469903|title = Stage set for spectacular Rugby World Cup 2019 opening ceremony &#124; Rugby World Cup| date=19 August 2024 }}</ref> The ceremony featured a showcase of traditional and modern [[Culture of Japan|Japanese culture]], as well as the culture of rugby union, and told the story of the evolution of rugby union in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/rugby-world-cup-opening-ceremony-16929708.amp|title = What time is Rugby World Cup opening ceremony on Friday?|date = 19 September 2019}}</ref> [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand's]] [[Richie McCaw]], who captained the All Blacks to the World Cup title in [[2015 Rugby World Cup|2015]], performed a ceremonial handover of the [[Webb Ellis Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbypass.com/news/rwc-opening-ceremony-stuns-fans-around-the-world/|title = RWC opening ceremony stuns fans around the world| date=20 September 2019 }}</ref> Six jet aircraft of the [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]]'s [[Blue Impulse]] aerobatic team flew over the stadium.<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=McKendry |title=Fitting beginning to 2019 Rugby World Cup as Japan overcome Russia |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12269616 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=21 September 2019 |access-date=21 September 2019 }}</ref> Kiyoe Yoshioka of Japanese pop-rock band [[Ikimono-gakari]] sang ''[[World in Union]]'', the official song of the Rugby World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tokyohive.com/article/2018/09/yoshioka-kiyoe-to-sing-official-song-for-rugby-world-cup |title=Yoshioka Kiyoe to sing official song for 'Rugby World Cup' |date=27 September 2018 |website=Tokyo Hive |access-date=25 October 2018 }}</ref> The tournament was officially declared open by [[Fumihito, Prince Akishino]] of Japan; both he and [[World Rugby]] chairman [[Bill Beaumont|Sir Bill Beaumont]] gave speeches at the end of the ceremony, with Beaumont saying:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.co.uk/2019-rugby-world-cup/103403/rugby-world-cup-opening-ceremony-videos-pictures%3famp|title=Rugby World Cup opening ceremony: Videos and best pictures|website=[[The Week]] }}</ref>

{{blockquote|"Over the next six weeks we will experience the very best of rugby and the very best of Japan as excitement sweeps this great nation. I know Japan will be the most welcoming of hosts, you are the best. The waiting is over and the stage is set. It’s now over to the teams and the fans to make this the best World Cup ever."}}

==Pool stage==
{{See also|2019 Rugby World Cup warm-up matches}}

The 20 teams are divided into four pools of five teams. Each pool is a [[round-robin tournament|single round-robin]] of 10 games, in which each team plays one match against each of the other teams in the same pool. Teams are awarded four league points for a win, two for a draw and none for a defeat. A team scoring four [[Try (rugby)|tries]] in a match is awarded a bonus point, as is a team that loses by seven points or fewer – both bonus points are awarded if both situations apply. The teams finishing in the top two of each pool advance to the quarter-finals.<ref name=Rules>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tournament-rules|title=Tournament rules|work=Rugby World Cup|publisher=World Rugby|access-date=1 October 2019|archive-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928072157/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/tournament-rules|url-status=dead}}</ref> The top three teams of each pool received automatic qualification to the [[2023 Rugby World Cup]].

;Tie-breaking criteria
If two or more teams are tied on match points, the following tiebreakers apply:

# The winner of the match between the two teams
# Difference between points scored for and points scored against in all pool matches
# Difference between tries scored for and tries scored against in all pool matches
# Points scored in all pool matches
# Most tries scored in all pool matches
# Official World Rugby Rankings as of 14 October 2019

If three teams were tied on points, the above criteria would be used to decide first place in the pool and then the criteria would be used again (starting from criterion 1) to decide second place in the pool.<ref name=Rules/>
{{Rugby World Cup pool stage key}}
===Pool A===
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A}}

[[File:Rugby World Cup 190920a1.jpg|thumb|[[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]] taking on [[Russia national rugby union team|Russia]] at [[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]].]]
{{:2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A|hide_results=y}}
The opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup was played in Pool A with [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]] scoring a 30–10 win over [[Russia national rugby union team|Russia]]. [[Kotaro Matsushima]] became the first Japanese player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup. For the Russian side, [[Kirill Golosnitsky]] scored the first try of the tournament after four minutes – the fastest try ever scored in the opening match of a World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/host-japan-beats-russia-30-10-in-rugby-world-cup-opener|title=Japan beats Russia 30–10 in Rugby World Cup opener|first=Jerome|last=Pugmire|location=Tokyo|date=20 September 2019|access-date=23 September 2019|publisher=[[Japan Today]]}}</ref> Two days later, [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]] defeated [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]] 27–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rugby-world-cup-ireland-take-a-bow-after-near-perfect-opening-night-1.4026538|title=Rugby World Cup: Ireland take a bow after near perfect opening night|location=Yokohama|first=Keith|last=Duggan|date=22 September 2019|access-date=23 September 2019|publisher=[[The Irish Times]]}}</ref> On 24 September, [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]] played their first match against Russia in [[Kumagaya]], and Samoa went on to win 34–9.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/24/russia-samoa-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=Samoa ease past battling Russia in bruising Rugby World Cup encounter|date=24 September 2019|access-date=30 September 2019|work=[[The Guardian]]}}</ref> Four days later, hosts Japan defeated Ireland 19–12, scoring four out of six penalties. While it was an upset win for Japan, [[World Rugby]] later admitted three of the four offside penalties were incorrectly awarded to Japan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ireland get World Rugby feedback that three offside penalties were incorrect|newspaper=[[The42.ie]]|date=2019-10-01|last=Kinsella|first=Murray|url=https://www.the42.ie/joe-schmidt-ireland-offside-penalties-4831803-Oct2019/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003072257/https://www.the42.ie/joe-schmidt-ireland-offside-penalties-4831803-Oct2019/|archivedate=3 October 2019|access-date=16 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Rugby World Cup: World Rugby admitted penalty errors in Japan game, says Schmidt
|newspaper=BBC Sports|date=2019-10-01|last=|first=|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/49893140}}</ref> [[Kenki Fukuoka]] scored a try in the 58th minute to give Japan a two-point lead after Ireland's [[Garry Ringrose]] and [[Rob Kearney]] had scored the opening two tries. [[Yu Tamura]]'s conversion and fourth successful penalty kick sealed the result for Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/update2-japan-stun-world-no.-2-ireland-at-rugby-world-cup-with-19-12-victory|title=Japan stun world No. 2 Ireland with 19–12 victory at Rugby World Cup|first=Rich|last=Freeman|date=28 September 2019|access-date=30 September 2019|publisher=Japan Today}}</ref> Scotland recorded their first victory of the World Cup with a 34–0 whitewash victory over Samoa in muggy conditions in [[Kobe]], with Samoan captain [[Jack Lam]] stating that the rugby ball was "a bar of soap."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/30/scotland-samoa-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=Scotland shower points over Samoa in Rugby World Cup walkover|date=30 September 2019|access-date=8 October 2019|first=Andy|last=Bull|location=[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]]|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

Three days later, [[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]] held another match in Pool A – this time it was Ireland, who whitewashed their opponents (Russia) in a 35–0 victory with five different players getting tries for the Irish. The Irish though, did not have everything go right with [[Jordi Murphy]] being subbed off in the 27th minute due to a possible rib injury, which added to the Irish back row pain after losing [[Jack Conan]] earlier in the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rugby-world-cup-ireland-make-heavy-weather-of-russia-win-1.4038952|title=Rugby World Cup: Ireland make heavy weather of Russia win|date=3 October 2019|access-date=8 October 2019|first=Gerry|last=Thornley|location=Kobe Misaki Stadium|publisher=The Irish Times}}</ref> Japan recorded their third victory over Samoa in [[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]] with a 85th minute try from [[Kotaro Matsushima]] sealing the Japanese a 38–19 bonus point victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/05/japan-samoa-rugby-world-cup-2019-pool-a-match-report|title=Japan's late bonus from Matsushima against Samoa hurts Scotland|date=5 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Russia in the final match of the tournament was hammered by Scotland 61–0 with [[George Horne (rugby union)|George Horne]] scoring a hat-trick as the Scots became the first team in World Cup history to not concede a point from two consecutive World Cup matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/09/scotland-russia-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=Scotland run in nine tries to hammer Russia and keep World Cup hopes alive|date=9 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Andy|last=Bull|location=[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]]|work=The Guardian}}</ref> A red card to [[Bundee Aki]] in the 29th minute forced Ireland to go down to 14 men but that was the only blemish with Ireland winning 47–5 over Samoa in [[Fukuoka]]. [[Johnny Sexton]] scoring two tries for the Irish.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby-world-cup/pool-a/improved-ireland-qualify-for-rugby-world-cup-quarter-finals-1.4048891|title=Improved Ireland qualify for Rugby World Cup quarter-finals|date=12 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Gerry|last=Thornley|publisher=The Irish Times}}</ref> The typhoon saw the Japan–Scotland match under threat with the [[Scottish Rugby Union]] demanding legal action if it was cancelled.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/world-rugby-slams-scotland-legal-threat-over-typhoon-hit-game|title=World Rugby slams Scotland legal threat over typhoon-hit game|date=12 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Talek|last=Harris|publisher=Japan Today|location=Tokyo}}</ref> But after an inspection deemed the match to go ahead,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/13/scotland-relief-rugby-world-cup-match-japan-typhoon-hagibis|title=Rugby World Cup: Scotland v Japan to go ahead but Namibia v Canada off|last=Kitson|first=Robert|date=13 October 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 October 2019|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Japan held their nerve against a fast-finishing Scotland to take home a 28–21 victory with Kenki Fukuoka scoring two tries. The win saw Japan become the first [[List of international rugby union teams#Tier 2|Tier 2]] team to qualify since [[2007 Rugby World Cup|2007]], as they topped the group while Ireland finished in second place.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/Japan-beats-Scotland-28-21-to-advance-to-Rugby-World-Cup-quarterfinals-for-first-time|title=Japan beats Scotland 28-21 to advance to Rugby World Cup quarterfinals for first time|date=13 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Mitch|last=Phillips|publisher=Japan Today}}</ref>

{| style="width:100%" cellspacing="1"
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|align=right|20 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|JPN}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Japan vs Russia|30–10]]||{{ru|RUS}}||[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|22 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|IRE}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Ireland vs Scotland|27–3]]||{{ru|SCO}}||[[Nissan Stadium (Yokohama)|International Stadium Yokohama]], [[Yokohama]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|24 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|RUS}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Russia vs Samoa|9–34]]||{{ru|SAM}}||[[Kumagaya Rugby Ground|Kumagaya Rugby Stadium]], [[Kumagaya, Saitama|Kumagaya]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|28 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|JPN}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Japan vs Ireland|19–12]]||{{ru|IRE}}||[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]], [[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|30 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|SCO}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Scotland vs Samoa|34–0]]||{{ru|SAM}}||[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]], [[Kobe]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|3 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|IRE}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Ireland vs Russia|35–0]]||{{ru|RUS}}||[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]], [[Kobe]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|5 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|JPN}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Japan vs Samoa|38–19]]||{{ru|SAM}}||[[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]], [[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|9 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|SCO}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Scotland vs Russia|61–0]]||{{ru|RUS}}||[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]], [[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|12 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|IRE}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Ireland vs Samoa|47–5]]||{{ru|SAM}}||[[Level5 Stadium|Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium]], [[Fukuoka]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|13 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|JPN}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A#Japan vs Scotland|28–21]]||{{ru|SCO}}||[[Nissan Stadium (Yokohama)|International Stadium Yokohama]], [[Yokohama]]
|}

===Pool B===
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B}}
[[File:2019RWC Italy v Namibia 4.jpg|thumb|[[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] taking on [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] at [[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]], [[Higashiōsaka]].]]
{{:2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B|hide_results=y}}
Pool B started with [[New Zealand national rugby union team|New Zealand]] beating [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] 23–13. New Zealand opened their scoring with two tries in four minutes from [[George Bridge]] and [[Scott Barrett (rugby union)|Scott Barrett]] giving New Zealand a 17–3 lead at half-time. [[Pieter-Steph du Toit]] scored a converted try to bring the score back to 17–10 but two penalties from [[Richie Mo'unga]] and [[Beauden Barrett]] sealed the result.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/21/new-zealand-south-africa-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=New Zealand stand firm against South Africa in heavyweight thriller|date=21 September 2019|access-date=25 September 2019|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=[[International Stadium Yokohama]]|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In [[Higashiōsaka]], [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]] conceded an early try against [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]] before running away with a bonus-point victory by 25 points.<ref>{{cite news |title=Italy 47-22 Namibia: Azzurri open World Cup campaign with victory |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49786413 |website=BBC Sport |date=22 September 2019 |access-date=10 November 2019 }}</ref> Italy earned a second bonus-point victory in Fukuoka, scoring seven tries in a 48–7 demolition of [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/26/italy-canada-rugby-world-cup-pool-b-match-report|title=Matteo Minozzi seals Italy's seven-try romp over Canada at Rugby World Cup|date=26 September 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Over in Toyota, South Africa defeated Namibia by 54 points, scoring nine tries while Namibia could manage only a [[Cliven Loubser]] penalty in the 23rd minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/28/south-africa-namibia-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=South Africa coast home with nine-try thrashing of Namibia in World Cup|date=28 September 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> New Zealand recorded their second victory of the World Cup with a 63–0 victory over Canada at [[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]]. For New Zealand, [[Brad Weber]] scored his first two tries in international rugby with the Barrett brothers ([[Jordie Barrett]], [[Beauden Barrett]] and [[Scott Barrett (rugby union)|Scott Barrett]]) each scoring a try as they became the first trio of brothers to start for New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/02/sport/new-zealand-canada-rugby-world-cup-spt-intl/index.html|title=All Blacks cruise to victory in nine-try rout of Canada|date=3 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019|first=Daniel|last=Gallan|publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>

New Zealand continued their demolition of their opponents with a 62-point win over Namibia in [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]], with the floodgates opening in the second half after Namibia restricted the All Blacks to 24 points in the first half. [[Sevu Reece]], [[Ben Smith (rugby union)|Ben Smith]] and [[Anton Lienert-Brown]] scoring two tries in the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/06/all-blacks-brush-aside-brave-namibia-in-rugby-world-cup|title=All Blacks fall behind before brushing aside brave Namibia at Rugby World Cup|date=6 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=Tokyo Stadium|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Between the two New Zealand games, South Africa romped over Italy with [[Cheslin Kolbe]] scoring two tries as the South Africans won 49–3 in [[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-world-cup/2019/10/04/rugby-world-cup-2019-south-africa-vs-italy-live-score-latest1/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-world-cup/2019/10/04/rugby-world-cup-2019-south-africa-vs-italy-live-score-latest1/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Cheslin Kolbe shines as South Africa thrash 14-man Italy to reach cusp of quarter-finals|date=4 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019|first=Tom|last=Cary|location=[[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]|publisher=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> This was followed by a 66–7 victory over Canada with [[Cobus Reinach]] scoring the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history, with his three tries being scored in a space of 11 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby-world-cup/south-africa-vs-canada-live-scores-result-2019/|title=RWC 2019 results and highlights: South Africa 66-7 Canada – as it happened|date=8 October 2019|access-date=10 October 2019|first=Max|last=Benson|publisher=The South African}}</ref> The final two matches of the group were not played as [[Typhoon Hagibis (2019)|Typhoon Hagibis]] saw the cancellation of the New Zealand–Italy and Namibia–Canada matches.<ref name=ENG-FRA+NZL-ITA>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/49995604|title=Rugby World Cup: Typhoon Hagibis forces England-France off; Scotland wait & Ireland play|date=10 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|first=Chris|last=Jones|publisher=BBC}}</ref><ref name=NAM-CAN>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/namibia-canada-match-cancelled-and-now-scotland-await-their-fate-20191013-p5304x.html|title=Signs good Scotland match will go ahead after another cancellation|date=13 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Nick|last=Mulvenney|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]}}</ref> At the end of the pool stage, New Zealand finished on top of the table with South Africa finishing second.<ref name=GroupRankings>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/10/rugby-world-cup-england-game-cancelled-with-decision-pending-on-scotland-as-typhoon-looms|title=Rugby World Cup: England v France off and Japan v Scotland under threat from Typhoon Hagibis|date=10 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Justin|last=McCurry|location=Tokyo|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

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|align=right|22 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ITA}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#Italy vs Namibia|47–22]]||{{ru|NAM}}||[[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]], [[Higashiōsaka]]
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|align=right|26 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ITA}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#Italy vs Canada|48–7]]||{{ru|CAN}}||[[Level5 Stadium|Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium]], [[Fukuoka]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|28 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|RSA}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#South Africa vs Namibia|57–3]]||{{ru|NAM}}||[[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]], [[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|2 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|NZL}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#New Zealand vs Canada|63–0]]||{{ru|CAN}}||[[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]], [[Ōita (city)|Ōita]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|4 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|RSA}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#South Africa vs Italy|49–3]]||{{ru|ITA}}||[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]], [[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|6 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|NZL}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#New Zealand vs Namibia|71–9]]||{{ru|NAM}}||[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|8 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|RSA}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#South Africa vs Canada|66–7]]||{{ru|CAN}}||[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]], [[Kobe]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|12 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|NZL}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#New Zealand vs Italy|0–0]]{{ref|One|1}}||{{ru|ITA}}||[[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]], [[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|13 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|NAM}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#Namibia vs Canada|0–0]]{{ref|Two|2}}||{{ru|CAN}}||[[Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium]], [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]]
|}

===Pool C===
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C}}
{{:2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C|hide_results=y}}
Pool C's opening match saw [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]] come back from a 17-point half-time deficit against [[France national rugby union team|France]] at [[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], only for France's [[Camille Lopez]] to score a game-winning [[drop goal]] in the 70th minute to win 23–21.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190921/p2g/00m/0sp/071000c|title=Rugby: Lopez's dropped goal saves France in 23–21 win vs. Argentina|date=21 September 2019|access-date=26 September 2019|location=[[Tokyo]]|publisher=[[The Mainichi]]}}</ref> In [[Sapporo]], two tries from [[Manu Tuilagi]] helped [[England national rugby union team|England]] to a bonus-point victory over [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/22/rugby-world-cup-england-tonga-match-report|title=Tuilagi double helps England kick off with bonus-point win against Tonga|date=22 September 2019|access-date=26 September 2019|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=[[Sapporo Dome]]|work=The Guardian}}</ref> England followed that up with a 38-point victory over the [[United States national rugby union team|United States]], with [[Joe Cokanasiga]] scoring two tries in the victory; however, the match was soured by the first red card of the tournament, shown to the United States' [[John Quill]] for a shoulder charge to the head of England's [[Owen Farrell]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/26/england-usa-rugby-world-cup-pool-c-match-report|title=Cokanasiga helps England crush USA as Quill gets World Cup's first red card|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=Kobe Misaki Stadium|date=26 September 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Argentina bounced back from their defeat by France with a 28–12 victory over Tonga in Higashiōsaka; all of Argentina's scoring happened in the first 28 minutes, including a hat-trick from [[Julián Montoya]] as they raced to a 28-point lead before Tonga brought the margin back to 16 with two tries of their own.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/rugby-world-cup-argentina-blitz-tonga-in-first-win-1.4033956|title=Rugby World Cup: Argentina blitz Tonga in first win|date=28 September 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|publisher=The Irish Times}}</ref> After [[2019 Pacific typhoon season#Typhoon Mitag (Onyok)|Typhoon Mitag]] almost cancelled the match,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/news/typhoon-threatens-rugby-world-cup-match-between-france-and-usa|title=Typhoon threatens Rugby World Cup match between France and USA|date=29 September 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|publisher=SBS}}</ref> the French were inconsistent with errors keeping the United States in the match before three late tries in the second half secured a 33–9 win in Fukuoka.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/French-score-5-tries-in-33-9-win-over-US|title=French score 5 tries in 33-9 win over U.S.|date=2 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|first=Jerome|last=Pugmire|location=[[Fukuoka]]|publisher=Japan Today}}</ref>

In Chōfu, England qualified for the quarter-finals with a 39–10 victory over Argentina with Argentine player [[Tomás Lavanini]] being shown a red card, which forced Argentina down to 14 men as he was forced off due to a high tackle on Owen Farrell's head.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/England-reach-quarterfinals-as-red-card-cripples-Pumas|title=England reach quarterfinals as red card cripples Pumas|date=5 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|first=Mitch|last=Philips|location=Tokyo|publisher=Japan Today}}</ref> France later joined them in qualifying for the knockout stage with a two-point victory over Tonga at [[Egao Kenko Stadium|Kumamoto Stadium]]. After conceding the first 17 points of the match, Tonga came back into the match with tries from [[Sonatane Takulua]] and [[Mali Hingano]] to close the gap to only three points before [[Romain Ntamack]] gave the cushion that France needed with two penalties in eight minutes giving France the victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/06/rugby-world-cup-france-tonga-match-report-england-pool-c|title=France survive Tonga scare and set up England game to decide Pool C winner|date=6 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Argentina became the first team to finish their matches of the 2019 World Cup, with a 47–17 victory over the United States in Kumagaya. [[Joaquín Tuculet]] and [[Juan Cruz Mallia]] each scored two tries in the meeting, their first since 2003.<ref>{{cite news |title=Argentina sign off from Rugby World Cup with convincing win over US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/09/argentina-sign-off-from-rugby-world-cup-with-convincing-win-over-us |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media |date=9 October 2019 |access-date=10 November 2019 }}</ref> After the England–France game was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis,<ref name=ENG-FRA+NZL-ITA/> Tonga ended their World Cup campaign with a 31–19 victory over the United States. This was due to the Tongan's using their opportunities with them converting into tries and despite the United States being within striking range with three minutes to go, [[Telusa Veainu]] converted the match-winning try and a bonus-point victory for Tonga.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tonga-gets-its-win-at-rwc-beats-us-31-19/2019/10/13/3863a914-ed91-11e9-a329-7378fbfa1b63_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014042428/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/tonga-gets-its-win-at-rwc-beats-us-31-19/2019/10/13/3863a914-ed91-11e9-a329-7378fbfa1b63_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 October 2019|title=Tonga beats US 31-19, gets its win at Rugby World Cup 2019|date=13 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Gerald|last=Imray|location=[[Higashiōsaka]]|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> At the end of the pool stage, it was England winning the group with France finishing in second place.<ref name=GroupRankings/>

{| style="width:100%;font-size:90%" cellspacing="1"
|-
!width=15%|
!width=25%|
!width=10%|
!width=25%|
|-
|align=right|21 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|FRA|1974}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#France vs Argentina|23–21]]||{{ru|ARG}}||[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|-
|align=right|22 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ENG}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#England vs Tonga|35–3]]||{{ru|TON}}||[[Sapporo Dome]], [[Sapporo]]
|-
|align=right|26 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ENG}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#England vs United States|45–7]]||{{ru|USA}}||[[Noevir Stadium Kobe|Kobe Misaki Stadium]], [[Kobe]]
|-
|align=right|28 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ARG}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#Argentina vs Tonga|28–12]]||{{ru|TON}}||[[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]], [[Higashiōsaka]]
|-
|align=right|2 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|FRA|1974}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#France vs United States|33–9]]||{{ru|USA}}||[[Level5 Stadium|Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium]], [[Fukuoka]]
|-
|align=right|5 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ENG}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#England vs Argentina|39–10]]||{{ru|ARG}}||[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|-
|align=right|6 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|FRA|1974}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#France vs Tonga|23–21]]||{{ru|TON}}||[[Egao Kenko Stadium|Kumamoto Stadium]], [[Kumamoto]]
|-
|align=right|9 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ARG}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#Argentina vs United States|47–17]]||{{ru|USA}}||[[Kumagaya Rugby Ground|Kumagaya Rugby Stadium]], [[Kumagaya, Saitama|Kumagaya]]
|-
|align=right|12 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|ENG}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#England vs France|0–0]]{{ref|One|1}}||{{ru|FRA|1974}}||[[Nissan Stadium (Yokohama)|International Stadium Yokohama]], [[Yokohama]]
|-
|align=right|13 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|USA}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#United States vs Tonga|19–31]]||{{ru|TON}}||[[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]], [[Higashiōsaka]]
|}

===Pool D===
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D}}
{{:2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D|hide_results=y}}
Pool D opened with [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] beating [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]] by 18 points in Sapporo after Fiji led by two points at half-time. Australia scored four tries in the second half for the bonus point.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/escape-act-pulls-wallabies-back-from-brink-of-disaster-against-fiji-20190921-p52tkg.html|title=Escape act pulls Wallabies back from brink of disaster against Fiji|date=21 September 2019|access-date=27 September 2019|first=Tom|last=Decent|location=[[Sapporo]]|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] beat [[Georgia national rugby union team|Georgia]] 43–14 at [[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]], after leading 29–0 at half-time and 22–0 after three tries in the first 19 minutes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/wales-thump-georgia-ahead-of-meeting-with-wallabies-20190923-p52u67.html|title=Wales thump Georgia ahead of meeting with the Wallabies|date=23 September 2019|access-date=27 September 2019|first=Tom|last=Decent|location=[[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]]|publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> In [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]], Fiji scored the opening try against [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]]. Two mistakes within eight minutes gave Teros the lead before a try from [[Juan Manuel Cat]] enhanced it to 12 points at half-time. Three Fijian tries in the second half were to no avail as two penalty goals from [[Felipe Berchesi]] gave Uruguay their first win in a World Cup since [[2003 Rugby World Cup|2003]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-world-cup/2019/09/25/rugby-world-cup-2019-fiji-vs-uruguay-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-world-cup/2019/09/25/rugby-world-cup-2019-fiji-vs-uruguay-live-score-latest-updates/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Uruguay stun Fiji to deliver biggest shock victory of the World Cup so far|date=25 September 2019|access-date=30 September 2019|first=Daniel|last=Schofield|location=[[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]]|publisher=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> In Kumagaya on 29 September, Georgia recorded a 33–7 win over Uruguay. Dominant work by their forwards in the second half laid the foundation for the bonus-point victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/rugby-world-cup/rugby-world-cup-2019-georgia-v-uruguay-live/news-story/f80154520578867247998d9345360a02|title=Rugby World Cup 2019: Powerful Georgia slay giantkillers Uruguay|date=29 September 2019|access-date=2 October 2019|work=[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]]}}</ref> Over in Chōfu, [[Dan Biggar]] scored the fastest [[drop goal]] in World Cup history as Wales led 23–8 at the half. Two second-half tries from Australia brought the scores to within a point but the Welsh held out for a 29–25 win.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/29/rugby-world-cup-wales-australia-comeback-pool-d-report|title=Wales cling on in face of Australia comeback to edge brilliant Pool D clash|date=29 September 2019|access-date=2 October 2019|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=Tokyo Stadium|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

A second half performance from Fiji at a wet [[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]] saw the Fijians record their first win of their 2019 World Cup campaign as they won 45–10 over Georgia. This was partly due to [[Semi Radradra]] scoring two tries while also aiding in setting up three more tries as Fiji scored seven tries to one in the bonus-point victory.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/03/fiji-georgia-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=Semi Radradra stars as Fiji find their feet at Rugby World Cup to thrash Georgia|date=3 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Another slow start for the Australians in their game with Uruguay did not stop them from recording a win over the South Americans, with [[Tevita Kuridrani]] and [[Dane Haylett-Petty]] each getting two tries in the 35-point victory at Ōita Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/10/05/rugby/australia-overwhelms-uruguay-slow-start/|title=Australia overwhelms Uruguay after slow start|date=5 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|location=[[Ōita (city)|Ōita]]|publisher=The Japan Times}}</ref> Four days later at the same stadium, Fiji got off to a 10–0 lead with the tries coming from [[Josua Tuisova]] and [[Kini Murimurivalu]] within eight minutes. Fiji held their lead until the 31st minute when [[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]] scored his second try of three for the match. Wales increased their lead from there to win 29–17, qualifying for the quarter-finals with Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wales-reaches-rwc-quarterfinals-after-thrilling-win-vs-fiji/2019/10/09/1e0d713c-ea8d-11e9-a329-7378fbfa1b63_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011170321/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wales-reaches-rwc-quarterfinals-after-thrilling-win-vs-fiji/2019/10/09/1e0d713c-ea8d-11e9-a329-7378fbfa1b63_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 October 2019|title=Wales reaches RWC quarterfinals after thrilling win vs Fiji|date=10 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|first=Jerome|last=Pugmire|location=Ōita|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> The penultimate match of Pool D saw Australia outlast a tough Georgia in difficult conditions in Fukuroi, as they won 27–8.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0006075207?fp=0669e2d59a2f81645504a27bde3c24a1|title=Australia outlast Georgia to stumble into the knockout stages|date=11 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|location=[[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]]|publisher=[[The Japan News]]}}</ref> Wales finished undefeated with a 35–13 win over Uruguay at Kumamoto Stadium to record a bonus-point victory and set up a quarter-final with France while Australia came in second.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/13/rugby-world-cup-wales-uruguay-match-report|title=Wales urged to seize chance for World Cup glory after securing France tie|date=13 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Gerald|last=Meagher|work=The Guardian|location=[[Egao Kenkō Stadium|Kumamoto Stadium]]}}</ref>

{| style="width:100%" cellspacing="1"
|-
!width=15%|
!width=25%|
!width=10%|
!width=25%|
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|21 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|AUS}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Australia vs Fiji|39–21]]||{{ru|FIJ}}||[[Sapporo Dome]], [[Sapporo]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|23 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|WAL}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Wales vs Georgia|43–14]]||{{ru|GEO}}||[[Toyota Stadium (Japan)|City of Toyota Stadium]], [[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|25 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|FIJ}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Fiji vs Uruguay|27–30]]||{{ru|URU}}||[[Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium]], [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|29 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|GEO}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Georgia vs Uruguay|33–7]]||{{ru|URU}}||[[Kumagaya Rugby Ground|Kumagaya Rugby Stadium]], [[Kumagaya, Saitama|Kumagaya]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|29 September 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|AUS}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Australia vs Wales|25–29]]||{{ru|WAL}}||[[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|3 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|GEO}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Georgia vs Fiji|10–45]]||{{ru|FIJ}}||[[Hanazono Rugby Stadium]], [[Higashiōsaka]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|5 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|AUS}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Australia vs Uruguay|45–10]]||{{ru|URU}}||[[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]], [[Ōita (city)|Ōita]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|9 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|WAL}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Wales vs Fiji|29–17]]||{{ru|FIJ}}||[[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]], [[Ōita (city)|Ōita]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|11 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|AUS}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Australia vs Georgia|27–8]]||{{ru|GEO}}||[[Shizuoka Stadium|Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa]], [[Fukuroi, Shizuoka|Fukuroi]]
|- style=font-size:90%
|align=right|13 October 2019||align=right|{{ru-rt|WAL}}||align=center|[[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Wales vs Uruguay|35–13]]||{{ru|URU}}||[[Egao Kenkō Stadium|Kumamoto Stadium]], [[Kumamoto]]
|}

==Knockout stage==
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage}}

The knockout stage of the Rugby World Cup consisted of three [[single-elimination]] rounds leading to a final and a third-place playoff. Following a tie in regulation time, two 10-minute periods of [[Overtime (sports)|extra time]] would be used to determine a winner. If the scores are tied at the end of extra time, an additional 10-minute "sudden death" period is played, with the first team to score any points being declared the winner. If the score remains tied at the end of extra time, a [[Penalty shootout|kicking competition]] would ensue.<ref name=Rules/>

{{#invoke:RoundN|N8
|style=white-space:nowrap|widescore=yes|bold_winner=high|3rdplace=yes
|19 October – [[Ōita, Ōita|Ōita]]|{{ru|ENG}}|40|{{ru|AUS}}|16
|19 October – [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]|{{ru|NZL}}|46|{{ru|IRE}}|14
|20 October – [[Ōita, Ōita|Ōita]]|{{ru|WAL}}|20|{{ru|FRA|1974}}|19
|20 October – [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]|{{ru|JPN}}|3|{{ru|RSA}}|26
<!-- semi-finals -->
|26 October – [[Yokohama]]|{{ru|ENG}}|19|{{ru|NZL}}|7
|27 October – [[Yokohama]]|{{ru|WAL}}|16|{{ru|RSA}}|19
<!-- final -->
|2 November – [[Yokohama]]|{{ru|ENG}}|12|{{ru|RSA}}|32
<!-- bronze final -->
|1 November – [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]|{{ru|NZL}}|40|{{ru|WAL}}|17
}}

===Quarter-finals===

The first two quarter-finals were played on Saturday. The first quarter-final saw England defeat Australia 40–16 at Ōita Stadium. Two tries from [[Jonny May]], plus the 18 turnovers that the Australians conceded and led to two more being scored by England, sealed the result that prompted [[Michael Cheika]] to resign as Australian coach.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/19/england-australia-rugby-world-cup-match-report|title=England into World Cup semi-finals after bruising victory over Australia|date=19 October 2019|access-date=22 October 2019|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=[[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]]|work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/michael-cheika-quits-as-australia-coach-after-world-cup-exit-1.4056774|title=Michael Cheika quits as Australia coach after World Cup exit|date=20 October 2019|access-date=22 October 2019|publisher=The Irish Times}}</ref> The following match saw New Zealand book their spot in the semi-finals, with the All Blacks cruising to a 46–14 win over Ireland at Tokyo Stadium. [[Aaron Smith (rugby union)|Aaron Smith]] scored two of the All Blacks' seven tries, with the Irish only getting on the board in the 69th minute from a [[Robbie Henshaw]] converted try. A penalty try was then added seven minutes later.<ref>{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Rees |title=New Zealand thrash Ireland to set up World Cup semi-final with England |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/19/new-zealand-ireland-rugby-world-cup-match-report |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian News & Media |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=10 November 2019 }}</ref>

The other two quarter-finals were played the following day. In the opening match, France got off to an early 12–0 lead with [[Sébastien Vahaamahina]] and [[Charles Ollivon]] both scoring tries in the first eight minutes. [[Aaron Wainwright]] opened the Welsh account with a try in the 12th minute before [[Virimi Vakatawa]] scored the French's third, giving them a 19–10 lead at the break. Nine minutes into the second half, France went down to 14 men with Sébastien Vahaamahina being red-carded for an elbow to Aaron Wainwright as Wales went on to win the match 20–19 with a 74th minute try to [[Ross Moriarty]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/20/wales-france-rugby-world-cup-2019-quarter-final|title=Wales come from behind to beat 14-man France in World Cup quarter-final|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=Ōita Stadium|date=20 October 2019|access-date=24 October 2019|work=The Guardian}}</ref> In the last quarter-final match, it was South Africa who claimed a 26–3 win over Japan with [[Makazole Mapimpi]] scoring two tries in the victory.<ref>{{cite news |first=Becky |last=Grey |title=South Africa 26-3 Japan: Springboks through to Rugby World Cup semi-finals |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50114773 |website=BBC Sport |date=20 October 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019 }}</ref>

{{rugbybox
|date = 19 October 2019
|time = 16:15 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#England vs Australia|40–16]]
|away = {{ru|AUS}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/518386 Report]
|try1 = [[Jonny May|May]] (2) 18' c, 21' c<br />[[Kyle Sinckler|Sinckler]] 46' c<br />[[Anthony Watson (rugby union)|Watson]] 76' c
|con1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (4/4) 19', 23', 47', 77'
|pen1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (4/4) 30', 51', 66', 73'
|try2 = [[Marika Koroibete|Koroibete]] 43' c
|con2 = [[Christian Lealiifano|Lealiifano]] (1/1) 44'
|pen2 = [[Christian Lealiifano|Lealiifano]] (3/3) 12', 26', 41'
|stadium = [[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]], [[Ōita, Ōita|Ōita]]
|attendance = 36,954
|referee = [[Jérôme Garcès]] ([[French Rugby Federation|France]])
}}
----
{{rugbybox
|date = 19 October 2019
|time = 19:15 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|NZL}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#New Zealand vs Ireland|46–14]]
|away = {{ru|IRE}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/518665 Report]
|try1 = [[Aaron Smith (rugby union)|A. Smith]] (2) 14' c, 20' c<br />[[Beauden Barrett|B. Barrett]] 32' m<br />[[Codie Taylor|Taylor]] 48' c<br />[[Matt Todd|Todd]] 61' m<br />[[George Bridge|Bridge]] 73' c<br />[[Jordie Barrett|J. Barrett]] 79' m
|con1 = [[Richie Mo'unga|Mo'unga]] (4/7) 15', 22', 49' 74'
|pen1 = [[Richie Mo'unga|Mo'unga]] (1/1) 6'
|try2 = [[Robbie Henshaw|Henshaw]] 69' c<br />[[Try (rugby)#Penalty try|Penalty try]] 76'
|con2 = [[Joey Carbery|Carbery]] (1/1) 69'
|stadium = [[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|attendance = 46,686
|referee = [[Nigel Owens]] ([[Welsh Rugby Union|Wales]])
}}
----
{{rugbybox
|date = 20 October 2019
|time = 16:15 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|WAL}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#Wales vs France|20–19]]
|away = {{ru|FRA|1974}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/521323 Report]
|try1 = [[Aaron Wainwright|Wainwright]] 12' c<br />[[Ross Moriarty|Moriarty]] 74' c
|con1 = [[Dan Biggar|Biggar]] (2/2) 13', 75'
|pen1 = [[Dan Biggar|Biggar]] (2/2) 20', 54'
|try2 = [[Sébastien Vahaamahina|Vahaamahina]] 5' m<br />[[Charles Ollivon|Ollivon]] 8' c<br />[[Virimi Vakatawa|Vakatawa]] 31' c
|con2 = [[Romain Ntamack|Ntamack]] (2/3) 9', 32'
|stadium = [[Ōita Bank Dome|Ōita Stadium]], [[Ōita, Ōita|Ōita]]
|attendance = 34,426
|referee = [[Jaco Peyper]] ([[South African Rugby Union|South Africa]])
}}
----
{{rugbybox
|date = 20 October 2019
|time = 19:15 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|JPN}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#Japan vs South Africa|3–26]]
|away = {{ru|RSA}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/520197 Report]
|pen1 = [[Yu Tamura|Tamura]] (1/1) 20'
|try2 = [[Makazole Mapimpi|Mapimpi]] (2) 4' m, 70' m<br />[[Faf de Klerk|de Klerk]] 66' c
|con2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (1/3) 66'
|pen2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (3/4) 44', 49', 64'
|stadium = [[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|attendance = 48,831
|referee = [[Wayne Barnes]] ([[Rugby Football Union|England]])
}}

===Semi-finals===

In the first semi-final, England took on New Zealand in front of 68,843 spectators in Yokohama. In response to New Zealand's haka, England's players stood in a V-shape formation, for which they were later fined having crossed the halfway line.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/29/england-fined-new-zealand-haka-world-cup|title=England fined for V-shaped formation facing New Zealand's haka|date=30 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019|first=Gerald|last=Meagher|location=Tokyo|work=The Guardian}}</ref> England scored the opening points of the game in the second minute with a try from Manu Tuilagi, converted by Owen Farrell. After two penalties on either side of the half, the All Blacks responded in the 57th minute to close the gap to six points with a converted try from [[Ardie Savea]], but two later penalties in the 63rd and the 69th confirmed England's spot in the final.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/26/england-new-zealand-rugby-world-cup-semi-final-match-report|title=England dethrone New Zealand to reach Rugby World Cup final|date=26 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019|first=Robert|last=Kitson|location=International Stadium Yokohama|work=The Guardian}}</ref>

The second semi-final was also played in Yokohama, as the 67,750 spectators in attendance saw South Africa take on Wales for a spot against England in the final. South Africa took a 9–6 lead into half-time, but Biggar levelled the scores with a penalty kick six minutes into the second half. [[Damian de Allende]] then scored the first try of the match in the 57th minute, fending off two Welsh tacklers to score from 20 metres out. Wales again equalised thanks to Josh Adams scoring down the short side from an attacking scrum on the South African five-metre line; however, they were penalised for collapsing a maul with five minutes left in the game, allowing Pollard to kick the winning points and book South Africa a spot in the final.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://japantoday.com/category/rugby-world-cup-2019/rugby-south-africa-edge-wales-19-16-to-reach-world-cup-final|title=S Africa edge Wales 19-16 to reach World Cup final|date=27 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|first=Nick|last=Mulvenney|publisher=Japan Today}}</ref>

{{rugbybox
|date = 26 October 2019
|time = 17:00 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#England vs New Zealand|19–7]]
|away = {{ru|NZL}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/526869 Report]
|try1 = [[Manu Tuilagi|Tuilagi]] 2' c
|con1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (1/1) 3'
|pen1 = [[George Ford (rugby union)|Ford]] (4/5) 40', 50', 63', 69'
|try2 = [[Ardie Savea|Savea]] 57' c
|con2 = [[Richie Mo'unga|Mo'unga]] (1/1) 58'
|stadium = [[International Stadium Yokohama]], [[Yokohama]]
|attendance = 68,843
|referee = [[Nigel Owens]] ([[Welsh Rugby Union|Wales]])
}}
----
{{rugbybox
|date = 27 October 2019
|time = 18:00 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|WAL}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#Wales vs South Africa|16–19]]
|away = {{ru|RSA}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/529766 Report]
|try1 = [[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Adams]] 65' c
|con1 = [[Leigh Halfpenny|Halfpenny]] (1/1) 66'
|pen1 = [[Dan Biggar|Biggar]] (3/3) 18', 39', 46'
|try2 = [[Damian de Allende|de Allende]] 57' c
|con2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (1/1) 58'
|pen2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (4/4) 15', 20', 35', 76'
|stadium = [[International Stadium Yokohama]], [[Yokohama]]
|attendance = 67,750
|referee = [[Jérôme Garcès]] ([[French Rugby Federation|France]])
}}

===Bronze final===

The bronze medal was won by New Zealand in a convincing win over Wales.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/01/new-zealand-wales-rugby-world-cup-bronze-final-report-all-blacks-hansen-gatland|title = New Zealand swat Wales aside to win Rugby World Cup bronze final|date=1 November 2019|work=Guardian|access-date=5 November 2019}}</ref>	
{{rugbybox
|date = 1 November 2019
|time = 18:00 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|NZL}}
|score = [[2019 Rugby World Cup knockout stage#Bronze final: New Zealand vs Wales|40–17]]
|away = {{ru|WAL}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/533911 Report]
|try1 = [[Joe Moody (rugby union)|Moody]] 5' c<br />[[Beauden Barrett|B. Barrett]] 13' c<br />[[Ben Smith (rugby union)|B. Smith]] (2) 33' c, 40+1' c<br>[[Ryan Crotty|Crotty]] 42' c<br />[[Richie Mo'unga|Mo'unga]] 76' m
|con1 = [[Richie Mo'unga|Mo'unga]] (5/6) 7', 14', 34', 40+2', 44'
|try2 = [[Hallam Amos|Amos]] 19' c<br />[[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Adams]] 59' c
|con2 = [[Rhys Patchell|Patchell]] (1/1) 21'<br />[[Dan Biggar|Biggar]] (1/1) 61'
|pen2 = [[Rhys Patchell|Patchell]] (1/1) 27'
|stadium = [[Ajinomoto Stadium|Tokyo Stadium]], [[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
|attendance = 48,842
|referee = [[Wayne Barnes]] ([[England]])
}}

===Final===
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup final}}

England started as favourites for the final,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pentony |first1=Luke |title=Rugby World Cup final favourites England with the pressure on them ahead of South Africa clash in Japan |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-01/rugby-union-world-cup-england-favourite-to-beat-south-africa/11653590 |website=ABC News |access-date=3 November 2019|date=31 October 2019 }}</ref> but they had an unfortunate start to the game as [[Kyle Sinckler]] was substituted in the third minute after colliding with [[Maro Itoje]],<ref name="ldc">{{cite news |last1=Del Carme |first1=Liam |title=Champions of the World! Boks beat England and conquer the planet |url=https://www.heraldlive.co.za/sport/2019-11-02-champions-of-the-world-boks-beat-england-and-conquer-the-planet/ |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=Sport |agency=Herald Live |publisher=heraldlive.co.za |date=2 November 2019}}</ref> leaving England with only one tighthead prop.<ref name="final_ind">{{cite web |last1=de Menezes |first1=Jack |title=England lose Rugby World Cup final to South Africa |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-vs-south-africa-rugby-world-cup-final-result-score-a9182111.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102134532/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/england-vs-south-africa-rugby-world-cup-final-result-score-a9182111.html |archive-date=2019-11-02 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |website=The Independent |access-date=3 November 2019|date=2 November 2019 }}</ref> South Africa tight forwards [[Bongi Mbonambi]] and [[Lood de Jager]] left the field through injuries in the 21st minute.<ref name="rhw">{{cite news |last1=Houwing |first1=Rob |title=Bok ratings: Our collective of HEROES! |url=https://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/RugbyWorldCup2019/bok-ratings-our-collective-of-heroes-20191102 |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=Rugby World Cup 2019 |agency=sport24 |publisher=sport24.co.za |date=2 November 2019}}</ref> During the first half the only points scored were from penalties, with South Africa leading 12–6 at half time after several handling errors by England.<ref name="final_bbc">{{cite news |last1=Fordyce |first1=Tom |title=England 12-32 South Africa: Springboks win World Cup for record-equalling third time |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/50273291 |access-date=3 November 2019|work=BBC Sport |date=2 November 2019 }}</ref> England came close to scoring a try, but did not manage to score after 26 phases.<ref name="final_ind" />

Two more successful penalties on either side made the score 18–12 at the beginning of the second half. Makazole Mapimpi scored the first try in the 66th minute, making South Africa's lead 25–12 after the conversion while becoming the first Springbok to score a try in a World Cup final.<ref name="final_ind" /> Cheslin Kolbe followed up with another try eight minutes later, making the final score 32–12.<ref name="final_ind" /><ref name="final_bbc" /><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/nov/02/england-south-africa-rugby-world-cup-final-match-report|title = Rugby World Cup: South Africa surge to glory as England fall short|date=2 November 2019|work=Guardian|access-date=5 November 2019}}</ref>

{{rugbybox
|date = 2 November 2019
|time = 18:00 [[Japan Standard Time|JST]] ([[UTC+09]])
|home = {{ru-rt|ENG}}
|score = 12–32
|away = {{ru|RSA}}
|report = [https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/537409 Report]
|pen1 = [[Owen Farrell|Farrell]] (4/5) 23', 35', 52', 60'
|try2 = [[Makazole Mapimpi|Mapimpi]] 66' c<br />[[Cheslin Kolbe|Kolbe]] 74' c
|con2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (2/2) 67', 75'
|pen2 = [[Handré Pollard|Pollard]] (6/8) 10', 26', 39', 43', 46', 58'
|stadium = [[International Stadium Yokohama]], [[Yokohama]]
|attendance = 70,103
|referee = [[Jérôme Garcès]] ([[French Rugby Federation|France]])
}}

==Statistics==
{{Main article|2019 Rugby World Cup statistics}}

===Most tries===

;7 tries
*{{flagicon|WAL}} [[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]]

;6 tries
*{{flagicon|RSA}} [[Makazole Mapimpi]]

;5 tries
*{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Kotaro Matsushima]]

;4 tries
*{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Julián Montoya]]
*{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Kenki Fukuoka]]
*{{flagicon|NZL}} [[Ben Smith (rugby union)|Ben Smith]]

===Most points===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+Top 10 point scorers
|-
!rowspan="2" |Player
!rowspan="2" |Team
!rowspan="2" |Total
!colspan="4" |Details
|-
|'''Tries'''
|'''Conv{{shy}}ersions'''
|'''Penalties'''
|'''Drop goals'''
|-
|[[Handré Pollard]]
|align=left|{{ru|RSA}}
|style="background:#ccc"|69||0||9||16||1
|-
|[[Owen Farrell]]
|align=left|{{ru|ENG}}
|style="background:#ccc"|58||0||11||12||0
|-
|[[Richie Mo'unga]]
|align=left|{{ru|NZL}}
|style="background:#ccc"|54||1||20||3||0
|-
|[[Yu Tamura]]
|align=left|{{ru|JPN}}
|style="background:#ccc"|51||0||9||11||0
|-
|[[Dan Biggar]]
|align=left|{{ru|WAL}}
|style="background:#ccc"|41||0||10||6||1
|-
|[[Josh Adams (rugby union)|Josh Adams]]
|align=left|{{ru|WAL}}
|style="background:#ccc"|35||7||0||0||0
|-
|[[George Ford (rugby union)|George Ford]]
|align=left|{{ru|ENG}}
|style="background:#ccc"|32||2||5||4||0
|-
|[[Jordie Barrett]]
|align=left|{{ru|NZL}}
|style="background:#ccc"|31||3||8||0||0
|-
|[[Makazole Mapimpi]]
|align=left|{{ru|RSA}}
|style="background:#ccc"|30||6||0||0||0
|-
|[[Felipe Berchesi]]
|align=left|{{ru|URU}}
|style="background:#ccc"|30||0||6||6||0
|}

==Typhoon Hagibis and match cancellations==
{{See also|Typhoon Hagibis (2019)}}

On 10 October, World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee announced that, due to the predicted weather caused by Typhoon Hagibis, the Pool B meeting between [[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#New Zealand vs Italy|New Zealand and Italy]] and the Pool C meeting between [[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#England vs France|England and France]] had been cancelled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/update |title=Typhoon Hagibis impact on Rugby World Cup 2019 matches |publisher=Rugby World Cup |date=10 October 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019 |archive-date=14 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014013114/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/update |url-status=dead }}</ref> The decisions had been made on safety grounds with considerations on the expected impact the typhoon would have on Tokyo, including likely public transport shutdown or disruption. This was the first ever occasion any Rugby World Cup match had been cancelled.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/10/10/rugby-world-cup-cancel-not-postpone-matches-because-typhoon/|title=Rugby World Cup to cancel — not postpone — matches because of typhoon|date=11 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019|first=Matt|last=Bonesteel|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref> Decision on cancellation of pool games scheduled for 13 October was made on the day of the game, including the match between Japan and [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]].<ref name=ENG-FRA+NZL-ITA/>

On the evening of 12 October [[Japan Standard Time]] (JST), World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee released a statement that they had advised Namibia and Canada of the possibility of their game being cancelled, with the typhoon predicted to impact Kamaishi.<ref>{{cite web |title=Update on status of Namibia v Canada match in Kamaishi |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/update/510198 |publisher=Rugby World Cup |date=12 October 2019 |access-date=12 October 2019 |archive-date=12 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012125056/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/update/510198 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 13 October, World Rugby and the Japan 2019 Organising Committee announced the cancellation of the [[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B#Namibia vs Canada|Namibia–Canada game]] in Kamaishi.<ref>{{cite web |title=Namibia v Canada match cancelled |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/510716 |publisher=Rugby World Cup |date=12 October 2019 |access-date=12 October 2019}}</ref> The decision was made following a level 5 evacuation order in the city on the day of the match following the typhoon.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-namibia-vs-canada-cancelled-japan-vs-scotland-typhoon-hagibis-latest-updates-a9153681.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013045140/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/rugby-world-cup-2019-namibia-vs-canada-cancelled-japan-vs-scotland-typhoon-hagibis-latest-updates-a9153681.html |archive-date=2019-10-13 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Rugby World Cup 2019: Namibia vs Canada cancelled as fans wait nervously over Japan vs Scotland|date=12 October 2019|access-date=14 October 2019|first=Jack|last=de Menezes|work=The Independent}}</ref> Canada's national team stayed in Kamaishi to help out local residents with their cleanup efforts.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191013/p2g/00m/0sp/101000c|title=Rugby: Canada help cleanup efforts in Kamaishi after typhoon|date=13 October 2019|work=Mainichi Daily News|access-date=14 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022050141/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191013/p2g/00m/0sp/101000c|archive-date=22 October 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Namibia national team interacted with fans in the campsite [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako City]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20191013-OHT1T50232.html|title=カナダ＆ナミビア代表が浸水被害のボランティア…台風で中止の２チーム日本に元気を|date=14 October 2019|website=スポーツ報知|language=ja|access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/city.miyako/posts/3014580798768087|title=Miyako, Iwate, The Easternmost Point in Honshu (The Main Island of Japan）|website=facebook.com|access-date=14 October 2019}}</ref>

Shortly after the announcement of the cancellation of the Namibia–Canada game, it was confirmed that the matches between [[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D#Wales vs Uruguay|Wales and Uruguay]] and the [[2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C#United States vs Tonga|United States and Tonga]] would go ahead as scheduled.<ref name=NAM-CAN/> By noon on 12 October, it was confirmed that the match between Japan and Scotland was unaffected by the typhoon and would take place as scheduled, in front of spectators who had previously feared that they might have missed out with the game played behind closed doors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan v Scotland at Yokohama to go ahead as scheduled |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/update/510973 |publisher=Rugby World Cup |date=13 October 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019 |archive-date=13 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013061913/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/update/510973 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In line with tournament rules, the canceled pool matches were declared as drawn, the points being shared two each with no score registered.<ref name=Rules/> With these cancellations, [[France national rugby union team|France]] were unable to compete for the top pool position (held by England at the time), with a victory to secure that place. For Italy, however, the cancellation effectively eliminated them from the tournament; a victory against defending champions New Zealand could have seen them qualify for the knock-out stage, dependent on the margin of the win.<ref>{{cite web|title=O'Shea rues typhoon-forced end to Italy's World Cup |url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/508047 |publisher=Rugby World Cup |date=10 October 2019 |access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref> This also had implications on whether South Africa finished top of their pool or as runners-up, having already confirmed their progression to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/oct/08/south-africa-canada-rugby-world-cup-match-report |title=South Africa demolish 14-man Canada to enter Rugby World Cup last eight |work=The Guardian |date=8 October 2019 |access-date=8 October 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/08/sport/south-africa-canada-rugby-world-cup-spt-intl/index.html |title=South Africa qualifies for quarterfinals with 10-try demolition of Canada |publisher=CNN Sports |date=8 October 2019 |access-date=8 October 2019 }}</ref>

==Broadcasting==

For the first time, the domestic rights holder did not serve as the host broadcaster of the tournament. Instead, International Games Broadcast Services (IGBS), a joint venture between [[Infront Sports & Media|Host Broadcast Services]] (HBS) and [[IMG (company)|IMG]], handled production of the footage distributed to rights holders. IGBS used production resources from traditional rugby nations such as Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa and the [[United Kingdom]]. Japanese broadcaster [[NHK]] covered selected games in [[8K resolution]], using a combination of nine 8K cameras and up-converted [[4K resolution]] footage from IGBS. The International Broadcast Centre was located outside Ajinomoto Stadium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/journey-to-japan-how-rugby-world-cup-host-broadcast-plans-are-falling-into-place/|title=Journey to Japan 2019: How World Cup host broadcast plans are falling into place|last=Stevens|first=Philip|website=SVG Europe|access-date=13 June 2018}}</ref><ref name=broadcastdeal>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com//broadcasters?lang=en|title=Broadcasters|last=rugbybworldcup.com|website=www.rugbyworldcup.com|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820202433/https://www.rugbyworldcup.com//broadcasters?lang=en|url-status=dead}}</ref>

World Rugby streamed the tournament on its website for unsold markets.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dixon|first1=Ed|title=World Rugby to stream Japan 2019 games free in territories without TV rights|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/world-rugby-streaming-japan-2019-games-free-tv-rights|access-date=31 August 2019|work=SportsPro|publisher=Sportspromedia.com|date=21 August 2019}}</ref> Sport24 was the rights holder for in-flight/in-ship broadcast.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rugby World Cup 2019|url=https://sport24-tv.com/schedule/rwc-2019-all|website=Sport 24|publisher=sport24-tv.com|access-date=31 August 2019}}</ref> In South Africa, [[pay television]] channel [[SuperSport (South African TV channel)|SuperSport]] had broadcasting rights. To enable the whole country to watch, the [[free-to-air]] [[South African Broadcasting Corporation]] (SABC) broadcast the final after they reached an agreement with [[MultiChoice]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Breakfast|first1=Siviwe|title=SABC to broadcast Rugby World Cup final on Saturday|url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/rugby-world-cup/sabc-to-broadcast-rugby-world-cup-final-on-saturday/|access-date=1 November 2019|work=The South African|date=28 October 2019}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
!Territory
!Rights holder
!Ref.
|-
|Albania
|[[DigitAlb]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Argentina
|[[Televisión Pública Argentina|TPA]]
|<ref>{{cite web|title=Copa del Mundo Japón 2019 – Rugby Masculino|url=https://www.tvpublica.com.ar/programa/copa-del-mundo-japon-2019-rugby-masculino/|website=Televisión Pública Argentina|publisher=tvpublica.com.ar|access-date=6 October 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Australia
|{{flatlist|
*[[Fox Sports (Australia)|Fox Sports]]
*[[Network Ten]]}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/404256|title=Fox Sports and Network 10 appointed Australia's RWC 2019 rights holding broadcasters|date=9 March 2019|access-date=10 March 2019|publisher=World Rugby}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/network-ten-to-televise-all-wallabies-games-at-rugby-world-cup-20190309-p512xk.html|title=Network Ten to televise all Wallabies games at Rugby World Cup|last=Decent|first=Tom|date=8 March 2019|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Belgium
|[[Telenet (Belgium)|Telenet]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Brazil
|[[ESPN Brasil|ESPN]]
|<ref name=LatinBrazil>{{cite web|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/65936|title=ESPN Latin America and ESPN Brazil join RWC broadcast family|date=8 April 2015|publisher=World Rugby|access-date=18 January 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Canada
|[[The Sports Network|TSN]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/watch-the-2019-rugby-world-cup-on-tsn-1.1368207|title=Watch the 2019 Rugby World Cup on TSN|website=TSN.ca|date=19 September 2019|access-date=2 November 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Cyprus
|[[CYTA]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Czech Republic
|Pragosport
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Fiji
|[[Fiji Television|Fiji TV]]
|<ref name=Fiji>{{cite news|url=https://www.world.rugby/news/410798|title=World Rugby appoints Fiji TV as RWC 2019 rights-holding broadcaster|publisher=World Rugby|date=1 April 2019|access-date=2 April 2019}}</ref>
|-
|France
|[[TF1 Group]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=TF1 Group Exclusive Free-to-Air Broadcaster of the Entire 2019 Rugby World Cup|url=https://www.groupe-tf1.fr/en/press-release/corporate-documents/tf1-group-exclusive-free-air-broadcaster-entire-2019-rugby-world-cup|access-date=31 August 2019|work=TF1 Le Groupe|publisher=groupe-tf1.fr|date=10 April 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Georgia
|[[Georgian Public Broadcasting|GPB]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Germany
|[[ProSiebenSat.1 Media]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=ProSiebenSat.1 to offer Rugby World Cup in Germany|url=https://media.sportbusiness.com/news/prosiebensat-1-to-offer-rugby-world-cup-in-germany/|access-date=31 August 2019|work=SportBusiness|publisher=sportbusiness.com|date=26 November 2018}}</ref>
|-
|Hong Kong
|[[beIN Sports]]
|<ref name=HK&SEA>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com//news/439626?lang=en|title=beIN Asia Pacific appointed Rugby World Cup 2019 rights holder|website=Rugby World Cup|access-date=7 August 2019}}</ref>
|-
|India
|[[Sony Pictures Networks India|Sony Pictures Networks]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Sony acquires exclusive media rights for Rugby World Cup 2019|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/sony-acquires-exclusive-media-rights-for-rugby-world-cup-2019-99592.html|access-date=19 September 2019|work=exchange 4 media|date=17 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Ireland
|{{flatlist|
*[[Eir Sport]]
*[[RTÉ]]}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2018/1121/1012407-rte-acquire-live-tv-rights-to-irelands-world-cup-games/|title=RTÉ acquire live TV rights to Ireland's World Cup games|date=2018-11-21|work=RTE.ie|access-date=3 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/blow-for-free-to-air-viewers-as-eirsport-secure-2019-rugby-world-cup-1.2711006|title=Blow for free-to-air viewers as eirSport secure 2019 Rugby World Cup|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=3 December 2018}}</ref>
|-
|Israel
|Charlton
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Italy
|[[RAI]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Rai confirmed as Rugby World Cup 2019 broadcaster for Italy|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/450381|access-date=11 September 2019|work=RWC 2019|date=10 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Japan
|{{flatlist|
*[[DAZN]]
*[[J Sports]]
*[[NHK]]
*[[Nippon TV]]}}
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/365925|title=Nippon TV, NHK and J Sports appointed Japan rights holders for RWC 2019|date=20 September 2018|work=Rugby World Cup|access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref>
|-
|Kosovo
|[[DigitAlb]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|[[Latin America]]
|[[ESPN (Latin America)|ESPN]]
|<ref name=LatinBrazil/>
|-
|Latvia
|[[Latvijas Televīzija|LTV7]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sportacentrs.com/regbijs/18092019-ltv7_tiesraide_parraidis_42_no_48_pasaule|title=LTV7 tiešraidē pārraidīs 42 no 48 Pasaules kausa regbijā spēlēm|website=Sportacentrs.com|date=18 September 2019|access-date=3 November 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Malaysia
|[[Radio Televisyen Malaysia|RTM]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|[[MENA]]
|[[beIN Sports]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=BeIN Sports adds Rugby World Cup rights in Mena region|url=https://media.sportbusiness.com/news/bein-sports-adds-rugby-world-cup-rights-in-mena-region/|access-date=11 September 2019|work=SportBusiness|date=11 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Netherlands
|[[Ziggo Sport]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=WK rugby op Ziggo Sport|url=https://www.dukesrugby.nl/2019/08/wk-rugby-op-ziggo-sport/|access-date=31 August 2019|work=dukesrugby.nl|publisher=Rugby the Dukes|date=4 August 2019}}</ref>
|-
|New Zealand
|{{flatlist|
*[[Spark New Zealand#Spark Sport|Spark Sport]]
*[[TVNZ]]}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/103126229/tvnz-and-spark-win-rugby-world-cup-rights|title=TVNZ and Spark win Rugby World Cup rights|website=Stuff|access-date=28 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rwcsevens.com/news/326254|title=World Rugby awards New Zealand broadcast rights for the men's and women's Rugby World Cups to Spark|last=rugbybworldcup.com|access-date=3 December 2018}}</ref>
|-
|[[Nordic countries|Nordic]]
|[[Nordic Entertainment Group|NENT]]
|<ref>{{cite news|title=NENT Group secures Nordic rights to Rugby World Cup 2019|url=https://news.cision.com/nordic-entertainment-group/r/nent-group-secures-nordic-rights-to-rugby-world-cup-2019,c2869073|access-date=31 August 2019|work=Nordic Entertainment Group|publisher=news.cision.com|date=29 July 2019}}</ref>
|-
|[[Pacific Islands]]
|[[Fiji Television|Fiji TV]]
|<ref name=Fiji/>
|-
|Poland
|[[Telewizja Polsat|Polsat]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Portugal
|[[Sport TV]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Russia
|[[Match TV]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Romania
|[[Romanian Television|TVR]]
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tvr.ro/competitiile-de-rugby-revin-la-tvr_25360.html|date=29 August 2019|title=Competiţiile de rugby revin la TVR din 31 august|website=TVR.ro|language=ro|access-date=29 August 2019}}</ref>
|-
|Slovakia
|Pragosport
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|[[Southeast Asia]]
|[[beIN Sports]]
|<ref name="HK&SEA" />
|-
|Spain
|[[Movistar+]]
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.movistarplus.es/rugby/horarios|title=Rugby, Mundial 2019|website=[[movistarplus.es]]|language=es|access-date=20 September 2019}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sub-Saharan Africa]]
|[[SuperSport (South African TV channel)|SuperSport]]
|<ref name=broadcastdeal/>
|-
|Taiwan
|ELTA
|<ref>{{cite news|title=愛爾達》4年一屆橄欖球世界盃 MOD愛爾達獨家完整轉播|url=https://www.ltsports.com.tw/other/complex/136245-4-mod/|access-date=24 August 2019|work=ltsports}}</ref>
|-
|United Kingdom
|{{flatlist|
*[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]]
*[[S4C]]}}
|<ref>{{Cite news |title=ITV appointed UK rights holder for men's and women's Rugby World Cup events |url=http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/news/218620 |work=Rugby World Cup |publisher=World Rugby |date=4 February 2017 |access-date=30 March 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Whisper Wins S4C 2019 Rugby World Cup |url=https://www.whisper.tv/news/whisper-wins-s4c-2019-rugby-world-cup |website=Whisper.tv |access-date=31 August 2019 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110133409/https://www.whisper.tv/news/whisper-wins-s4c-2019-rugby-world-cup |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
|United States
|[[NBCUniversal]]
|<ref>{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Dachman |title=NBC Sports Group Inks Deal for U.S. Rugby World Cup Rights Through 2023 |url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2017/05/23/nbc-sports-group-inks-deal-for-rugby-world-cup-rights-in-u-s-through-2023/ |website=Sports Video Group |date=23 May 2017 |access-date=18 April 2019 }}</ref>
|-
|Uruguay
|[[Channel 10 (Uruguay)|Channel 10]]
|<ref>{{cite news |title=How to watch the Rugby World Cup in the Americas |url=https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2019/09/16/how-to-watch-the-rugby-world-cup-in-the-americas/ |work=ARN |date=16 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019 }}</ref>
|}

==Notes==
{{note|One|1}} <small>''Typhoon Hagibis caused the matches New Zealand versus Italy and England versus France to be cancelled and recorded as 0–0 draws.''</small><ref name=ENG-FRA+NZL-ITA/>

{{note|Two|2}} <small>''Typhoon Hagibis and an associated evacuation order for Kamaishi caused the match between Namibia and Canada to be cancelled and recorded as a 0–0 draw.''</small><ref name=NAM-CAN/>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website|https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/|Rugby World Cup}} – official site

{{Authority control}}
{{2019 Rugby World Cup}}
{{2019 Rugby World Cup finalists}}
{{2019 Rugby World Cup venues}}
{{2019 Rugby World Cup referees}} 
{{Rugby Union World Cup}} 
{{World championships in 2019}}
{{Portal bar|Sports|Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:World Cup}}
[[Category:2019 Rugby World Cup| ]]
[[Category:2019 in rugby union]]
[[Category:2019–20 in Japanese rugby union]]
[[Category:Rugby World Cup tournaments|2019]]
[[Category:International rugby union competitions hosted by Japan]]
[[Category:2019 rugby union tournaments for national teams]]
[[Category:September 2019 sports events in Japan|Rugby]]
[[Category:October 2019 sports events in Japan|Rugby]]
[[Category:November 2019 sports events in Japan|Rugby]]