Rugby World Cup 2019: Scotland-Japan to go ahead

Scotland’s crucial Rugby World Cup clash with hosts Japan will go ahead as scheduled following the passing of Typhoon Hagibis.

Sunday’s Pool A fixture in Yokohama was under threat of cancellation with the severe storm approaching Japan’s east coast, bringing extreme winds and torrential downpours.

Three World Cup fixtures had already been wiped out, with Sunday’s Pool B match between Namibia and Canada cancelled due to the impact of the typhoon in Kamaishi.

However, quarter-final hopefuls Scotland will take to the field to face Japan at Yokohama International Stadium, World Rugby and Japan Rugby 2019 Organising Committee announced on the day of the game.

UPDATE: Japan v Scotland at Yokohama to go ahead as scheduled.

Full assessment confirms venue is ready to host big Pool A match following the passing of Typhoon Hagibis.#RWC2019 #JPNvSCO https://t.co/gmuGuJSfot

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 13, 2019

“The decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the venue and associated infrastructure on Sunday morning in partnership with the Host City,” a statement read.

“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.”

With the game going ahead, it opens up a number of permutations as there are try-scoring and losing bonus points up for grabs, but if the teams should finish level in the group Scotland would progress on the basis of winning the head-to-head contest.

Japan occupy second position behind Ireland in Pool A with three wins from as many games, four points clear of Scotland as the quarter-finals loom.

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