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Two matches called off by World Rugby, one still under clouds
World Rugby has today made one of the largest announcements in Rugby World Cup history.
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At 12PM JST, rugby’s governing body announced that two major clashes of the 2019 tournament have been called off due to the impending threat of Typhoon Hagibis.
The two matches in question are Saturday’s fixtures beween New Zealand and Italy in Toyota, and England and France in Yokohama. A decision on the crunch Pool A game between Japan and Scotland is yet to be made.
The cancellations will have major ramifications on how teams are ranked heading into next weekend’s quarterfinals.
England currently top Pool C courtesy of their significant points difference advantage over France. A win for France would have seen them leapfrog England into top place, however, earning them a quarterfinal with Australia instead of Wales.
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In Pool B, New Zealand will take out top spot, as was expected – but the cancellation ensures that Italy have zero chance of causing a major upset and progressing to the knockout stages.
Although no changes have been announced for Pool A just yet, any cancellations could have a major impact.
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Prior to the announcement, Japan topped the pool thanks to their exceptional victory over Ireland. A loss in their upcoming match with Scotland could see them drop to as low as third place, however, with Scotland holding down second and progressing to the knockout stages.
Ireland, who are expected to beat Samoa, would take out top spot if Scotland beat Japan and Japan would be consigned to an early exit from the competition.
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The match terminations, which will see all teams awarded two competition points, would instead see Japan top the log, granting them a quarterfinal against South Africa. Ireland would face New Zealand.
The final weekend of the group stages has been seen by many as Scotland’s chance for redemption. Since their weak opening performance against Ireland, where they fell 27-3, Scotland have put on two exceptional showings to best Samoa and Russia 34-0 and 61-0 respectively.
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Japan have never beaten Scotland in seven attempts. This current Brave Blossoms side is currently head-and-shoulders above any past iterations of the team, but Scotland are still likely to enter the match as favourites if it goes ahead.
Alternatively, Scotland will be heading home with a third-place pool finish.
“This is a complex and dynamic situation which we have been monitoring extremely closely with the assistance of our weather information experts,” said World Rugby Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director Alan Gilpin today.
“We are now in a position to accurately predict the likely impact of Typhoon Hagibis on Rugby World Cup fixtures this weekend.
“While making every possible effort to put in place a contingency plan that would enable all of Saturday’s matches to be played, it would be grossly irresponsible to leave teams, fans, volunteers and other tournament personnel exposed during what is predicted to be a severe typhoon.
“As a result, we have taken the decision to cancel some matches in order to ensure the safety of all involved. It is the right thing to do, and comes with the support of all stakeholders, including the teams.
“We fully appreciate that England, France, New Zealand and Italy fans will be disappointed, but we trust they will appreciate that their safety must come first. They will be entitled to a full refund on their match tickets.
“Our message for all fans in Japan for Rugby World Cup is to heed all official advice, stay indoors throughout Saturday and do not attempt to travel on the day.”
Spectators around the world will be left incredibly frustrated with the latest turn of events.
Questions will be raised concerning whether alternative options were fully explored by World Rugby, despite the governing body’s affirmations.
Plenty of mid-table movement in the power #rwc2019 rankings
– writes @alexshawsport https://t.co/tiWsLpuRpr
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 9, 2019
Japan have been planning this competition for 10 years. Typhoons are common during this period and procedures should have been in place to mitigate the effects of any storms.
Obviously, the games should not go ahead at their planned locations if there are safety risks, but there should be other alternatives, such as relocating the games to stadiums behind closed doors.
Perhaps, however, every avenue has been explored.
Ultimately, whilst Scotland are likely never going to win the competition and it will be great to see Japan progress to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history – in their home country, nonetheless – the 2019 Rugby World Cup could forever be marred by the fact that the final standings were impacted by adverse weather conditions.
Could rugby borrow a leaf out of football’s books?:
Comments on RugbyPass
I think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
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