Rugby World Cup

Can the home nations stop the All Blacks from claiming a World Cup hat-trick?

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The eyes of the sporting world turn towards Japan this week when the Rugby World Cup begins in earnest with England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland all in action as the home nations begin their campaigns to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

This year, the tournament takes place in Asia for the first time as thousands of fans from around the globe descend on host nation Japan.

New Zealand are the defending champions, and captain Kieran Read will want to lead the All Blacks to a third successive World Cup triumph after wins on home soil in 2011 and in England four years ago.