Japan vs Scotland Rugby World Cup clash goes ahead after Typhoon Hagibis

Scotland’s must-win final Pool A clash against Japan will go ahead as planned at 11.45am BST on Sunday, World Rugby has confirmed.

The group game had been in doubt due to the threat of Typhoon Hagibis, but following a “detailed assessment” of the match venue at Yokohama’s International Stadium, the climax to Pool A with the hosts will take place as planned in front of a sell-out 70,000 crowd.

Gregor Townsend’s side will qualify for the quarter-finals if they win the game by eight or more points.

An inspection was made at 6am local time on Sunday (10pm BST on Saturday), as well as an assessment from officials on the state of transport links there, with an official announcement coming nearly five hours later.

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World Rugby has announced that a moment’s silence will be observed at matches on Sunday in solidarity of everyone affected, with 16 deaths caused by the typhoon.

The organisation had previously stated that rearranging the fixture was not an option, despite Scotland seeking legal advice to allow them to compete for a place in the quarter-finals.

Brave Blossoms head coach Jamie Joseph criticised Scottish Rugby Union’s decision, saying that their actions had “undermined the achievements of the Japanese national team”.

Ireland secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 47-5 bonus-point victory over Samoa in Fukuoka, which leaves Scotland and Japan battling for the other qualification spot from Pool A.

Scotland are currently third in the group, four points behind Japan, following victories over Russia and Samoa after their opening 27-3 defeat to Ireland.

If Japan win – or lose by fewer than seven points and score four tries – they will top Pool A and face South Africa. Should they claim a losing bonus point, they will finish second and face New Zealand.

The final round of pool stage matches had already been interrupted, as England’s encounter with France, which was scheduled to be played a day earlier at the same venue, as well as New Zealand and Italy’s meeting in the city of Toyota, were both called off due to the severe conditions.

Sunday’s match between Canada and Namibia in Kamaishi was also cancelled, but Wales’ meeting with Uruguay and the USA’s clash with Tonga are set to go ahead as scheduled.

Typhoon Hagibis brought wind speeds of up to 150mph and heavy rainfall, while an earthquake also shook the Tokyo area.

There has been damage to buildings and infrastructure and flash flooding across Japan, local reports said 90 injuries had been reported by the early hours of Sunday.

World Rugby issued the following statement after making the call to keep the crucial Pool A clash on: “The decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the venue and associated infrastructure on Sunday morning in partnership with the host city.

“World Rugby and the Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee would like to thank everyone involved for their significant efforts to enable the match to be played as scheduled following one of the largest and most powerful typhoons to hit Japan in recent years.

“Fans attending Sunday night’s match are advised to check travel operator information before departing and plan to arrive early as it may take longer than usual to enter the stadium.

“Fans should also expect a significantly reduced level of spectator service in terms of catering and merchandise sales owing to limitations on venue staff availability as a result of the typhoon.

“Transport operations in and around Yokohama will progressively return to normal service levels throughout the day.

“Fans are encouraged to monitor official Rugby World Cup social and digital channels, including the @Japan2019_ENG Twitter account for further information and updates”

(c) Sky Sports 2019: Japan vs Scotland Rugby World Cup clash goes ahead after Typhoon Hagibis