Face of Nation : England against France on Saturday has been called off because of Typhoon Hagibis, but Rugby World Cup organisers hope Scotland against Japan can go ahead as planned on Sunday. The typhoon, described as the biggest of the year, is set to wreak havoc in Tokyo and surrounding areas.
Ireland’s match with Samoa in Fukuoka is expected to go ahead as scheduled. “The decision to cancel matches has not been taken lightly,” said tournament director Alan Gilpin. “It has been made with the best interest of team, public, and tournament volunteer safety as a priority based on expert advice.”
The Pool B match between New Zealand and Italy in Toyota on Saturday has also been cancelled. If the Scotland-Japan match was to be called off, under tournament rules Gregor Townsend’s side are likely be knocked out of the World Cup. Cancelled matches see both teams awarded two points as part of a 0-0 draw.
It means England progress as winners of Pool C, two points ahead of France in second place, and face a probable quarter-final against Australia, with Wales expected to top Pool D and therefore play the French.
Scotland, third in Pool A on 10 points with leaders Japan on 14, need to beat the hosts to go through, potentially relying on bonus points. If second-placed Ireland beat Samoa, a weather-enforced two-point haul would mean Scotland finish third in Pool A and go out.
“We are in regular dialogue with World Rugby at all levels to work to ensure our fixture against Japan on Sunday can be played as planned,” said a Scottish Rugby spokesman. “Scottish Rugby fully expects contingency plans to be put in place to enable Scotland to contest for a place in the quarter-finals on the pitch, and will be flexible to accommodate this.”
England coach Eddie Jones said his squad will leave Tokyo for Miyazaki, the base for their pre-tournament training camp. “We’re told what to do. There’s no use speculating on the alternatives. We’re excited about having great preparation for the quarter-finals,” he said.
“We’ll have a short pre-season camp in Miyazaki and then we’re off to Oita. We have an exceptional record in two-week preparations.” The typhoon is expected to clear by Sunday morning, when tournament bosses will stage a comprehensive review to see if the four scheduled games can proceed as planned.
The deadline for a final decision is six hours before kick-off. “We are continuing to review Sunday’s matches and make every effort to ensure they are as played as scheduled,” added Gilpin. “A thorough assessment of the venues will take place after the typhoon has passed before a final decision is made on Sunday morning.”
Gilpin said World Cup organisers looked “exhaustively” at contingency plans, which involved moving or rearranging matches, before deciding that was unfeasible on both logistical and safety grounds.
“The risks are just too challenging to enable us to deliver a fair and consistent contingency approach for all teams and participants and importantly to provide confidence in the safety of spectators,” he said.
All fans with tickets to cancelled matches will be entitled to a full refund. Gilpin said there are “no regrets” about bringing the tournament to Japan during typhoon season. “What we have seen over the last three weeks in every respect vindicates the right decision to be here in Japan,” he said. “It’s been an incredible tournament on and off the field and we always knew there were going to be risks.
