2019 Rugby World Cup

[netstrider]

Speaking of the American game again,

All Blacks star Nonu joins San Diego to boost US league | Sport

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner, New Zealand's Ma'a Nonu, has signed with the San Diego Legion, giving the North American league its biggest star.

www.sport24.co.za

They have just signed Nonu. I can see many players on the fringes of national selection for SA to have a stint there and try for residency. I believe Joe Pietersen is there as well among others. With a high profile signing like this more players are due to follow, improving the level of the MLR and the American game as a result.

 

[Vrotappel]

That's sad - I was looking forward to the Scotland, Japan game.

 

[Spizz]

Fingers crossed, it's a lip smacker indeed. But I reckon Scotland will be fighting tooth and nail behind the scenes to get this one played.

 

[Cray]

Fingers crossed, it's a lip smacker indeed. But I reckon Scotland will be fighting tooth and nail behind the scenes to get this one played.

Yup, the two cancelled games didn't really change much in terms of pool fortunes (although France could have pipped England for top spot). Am pretty certain any game which would result in a team not being able to play their make or break game will not be cancelled...

 

[netstrider]

This means NZ in particular would have had quite the break between last game played and QFs. Probably suitable for England because of all the tough games in their pool.

 

[Spizz]

Yup, the two cancelled games didn't really change much in terms of pool fortunes (although France could have pipped England for top spot). Am pretty certain any game which would result in a team not being able to play their make or break game will not be cancelled...

You'd think there may be a case for postponement or even shifting venue with so much at stake, but even then one of the other teams involved in the cancelled matches could take offence and complain that they never got the same chance (especially France). Cancellation would be a real shame though. Everyone is looking forward to this as an intriguing game that could potentially be tie of the round.

 

[netstrider]

I am just extremely thankful the Bok v AB game was not scheduled to be the final pool game.

 

[hungrymamba]

Should have been hosted in South Africa.

 

[Cray]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/l...oon-hagibis-england-scotland-france-game-live

Tournament director, Alan Gilpin, said Scotland, who would need a strong victory over Japan in order to make it through the group stage, would not be given special treatment. “Italy are in exactly the same position Scotland are in,” he said. “We won’t be treating that match, if it can’t be played, any differently

Feel for the Italians, they wouldn't have won but they should have been given the chance...

 

[Cray]

So if Scotland/Japan is called off, Japan get two points and win their pool by virtue of having defeated Ireland in their head to head (assuming both finish on 16)

 

[netstrider]

So if Scotland/Japan is called off, Japan get two points and win their pool by virtue of having defeated Ireland in their head to head (assuming both finish on 16)

Yeah,

I expect this typhoon is the catalyst also for a change in weather going forward. Less humidity and slightly cooler.

What irks me most is the Eng v Fra game.

 

[Kelerei]

Was it PE when there was mention of forwards drowning in a maul ?

That was the semi-final between South Africa and France in Durban back in 1995. Was at the stadium that day, remember it vividly.

 

[Pitbull]

So it's only 2 games so far that have been cancelled for the weekend.

Pool B match between New Zealand and Italy
Pool C match between England and France

These games where cancelled as it won't really change any outcomes. I think the Japan - Scotland game would be postponed and/or moved. There is just too much riding on that result.

 

[Cray]

These games where cancelled as it won't really change any outcomes. I think the Japan - Scotland game would be postponed and/or moved. There is just too much riding on that result.

The Scots have been talking about how they usually manage to get shafted in Rugby World Cup competitions by referees etc, this time they may get shafted by something entirely new...

Great pity if it does, going to be a belter of a game if it happens.

 

[Binary_Bark]

Rugby World Cup 2019: Scotland furious with World Rugby's plan to cancel Japan match that would eliminate them

Scotland Rugby are furious at the risk of their Rugby World Cup showdown against Japan Rugby being cancelled due to Super Typhoon Hagibis.

World Rugby confirmed on Thursday that both England vs France and New Zealand vs Italy have been called off, with the worst typhoon in 60 years due to hit Japan this weekend.

Scotland’s must-win clash with Japan, which is scheduled to be the final pool game of the World Cup on Sunday, is also at risk, with Rugby World Cup tournament director Alan Gilpin confirming that if it is not safe to hold the match in Yokohama on Sunday, the game will be cancelled and each team will be awarded two points in a scoreless draw that would send Scotland out of the competition.

 

[Cray]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1182158434902450176

 

[Fulcrum29]

Every effort is being made to ensure Sunday’s matches will be played as scheduled. A thorough assessment of venues will take place after the typhoon has passed before a final decision is made on Sunday morning.

Some insiders have mentioned that the matches may be played behind closed doors. It looks like only some ticketholders and some broadcasters will being punished pending on the assessment.

The match will continue it seems, maybe very wet conditions.

Anyhow, this Typhoon, 400km in diameter hit Osaka last year,

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1181919789796605952

Super Typhoon Hagibis is 1,400km in diameter.

 

[Sinbad]

I am just extremely thankful the Bok v AB game was not scheduled to be the final pool game.

Yeah. We would have lost by Duckworth-Lewis

 

[Fulcrum29]

I went through the reports. I can understand the circumstances in cancelling the France vs England schedule, but there is still ground to move the New Zealand vs Italy game to another venue and by this keeping to schedule and only penalising the ticketholders.

This is World Rugby’s position:

Page not found. - Rugby World Cup 2019 ｜ rugbyworldcup.com

www.rugbyworldcup.com

World Rugby Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director Alan Gilpin said when addressing the media: “This is a complex and dynamic situation which we have been monitoring extremely closely with the assistance of our weather information experts. 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.”

There is a chance that Toyota will only be touched by the Typhoon than to experience the Super Typhoon in all its might. This is a Super Typhoon so I it is easier said than done.



I don’t believe the Japan vs Scotland game will be cancelled. That Yokohama stadium has withstood worse, only an inspection and approval process to bring the ticketholders and broadcasters into the stadium. We will know tomorrow or on Sunday, but I doubt they will venture into a last-minute cancellation, either do it tomorrow or continue with the schedule.

Personally I believe that the Japanese authorities are doing their best to avoid another Jules Bianchi incident which was also due to a Typhoon touching on the Grand Prix. Not to mention that this Typhoon is impacting another Grand Prix besides the RWC.

 

[dabbler]

windy.com weather forecast for Saturday.