Japan ready.

The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching with the opening game of the tournament in Japan now just 74 days away.

A number of teams have already released their kits for World Rugby’s showpiece event and we’ve decided to have a go at rating every one that’s been unveiled so far.

Let’s start with the holders…

New Zealand.
The defending champions will of course be decked out in all black, with a tasty white alternate option also released. To be honest we’re not too gone on the collar – it looks a little to like a t-shirt, but the embossed silver fern pattern is pretty tasty.
OUR RATING: 3.5/5

Australia.
A couple of really nice efforts here from the Wallabies made by Asics, with the Indigenous alternate kit particularly nice. Australia have promised they will wear this jersey for at least one of their games at the World Cup.
OUR RATING: 4/5

England.
There hasn’t been a lot of love for England’s Rugby World Cup home kit and we can understand why. The collar is a bit messy and looks cheap. It’s looks more like a knock off kit than the real deal. The alternate red jersey is pretty sweet though.
OUR RATING: 3/5

Fiji.
Now these are two absolute beauties. Fiji are known for their exciting brand of attacking rugby with offloads a plenty – and they’ll be looking damn good while they’re at it in Japan.
OUR RATING: 4.5/5

France.
Two absolute crackers here. Le Coq Sportif got a lot of criticism for the last France kit they produced but you can’t complain about these efforts. Very stylish and nice and simplistic, with the new and improved crest making a massive difference.
OUR RATING: 4.5/5

Ireland
Really disappointing effort here from Canterbury who to be fair to them – have produced some really nice efforts for Ireland over the last few years since taking over from Puma. The home jersey looks cheap and like something you’d get in Aldi. The alternate effort is just a mess.
OUR RATING: 2/5

Japan.
The tournament hosts are in a tough pool alongside the likes of Ireland and Scotland, and to be honest – their kits aren’t all that great. Apparently the strips are supposed to be a nod to samurai warriors or something. Either way we’re not too gone on either jersey.
OUR RATING: 2/5

South Africa
The Springboks have enjoyed a huge resurgence under Rassie Erasmus and so have their kits after a couple of dodgy efforts. Their 2007 World Cup winning jersey is still one of our favourite kits ever and the Boks will be looking pretty good in Japan later this year too.
OUR RATING: 4/5

Samoa.
A couple of nice efforts here for Samoa in terms of design and colours. But you can’t help but think they look a little cheap. The potential is there but we’re not overly in love with them.
OUR RATING: 3/5

Wales.
As we said previously we’re not too gone on the alternate Wales kit, but it seems to be a hit with their fans so what do we know! We’re big fans of the home jersey though, and to be honest – Under Armour rarely produce bad gear.
OUR RATING: 4/5