The under-threat Rugby World Cup game between Japan and Scotland will go ahead as scheduled after an inspection of the Yokohama Stadium where it is due to be played after a powerful typhoon.
The decisive Pool A match had been in doubt after two Saturday fixtures were cancelled due to safety concerns surrounding Typhoon Hagibis.
Sunday’s game between Namibia and Canada in Kamaishi was also called off because of damage caused in the area by the storm.
Sunday’s other two pool games between the United States and Tonga in Osaka and Wales and Uruguay in Kumamoto will also go ahead after passing safety inspections.
“The decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the venue and associated infrastructure on Sunday morning in partnership with the Host City,” organisers said in a statement.
“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 largest and most powerful typhoons to hit Japan in recent years.”
They also said fans should expect a significantly reduced level of spectator service and as a result are allowing them to bring in their own drinks – but non-alcoholic only.
Ireland beat Samoa on Saturday to secure qualification from Pool A with 16 points and Scotland must win Sunday’s game to have any chance of joining them.
A win or draw for Japan, who have lost all seven of their previous games against the Scots, or a bonus point for losing within seven points if Scotland don’t get a bonus point, would send the host nation into the quarter-finals for the first time.
If Scotland win with a bonus point they would progress other than in the unlikely but possible scenario of Japan losing by seven or less and scoring four tries, to take two bonus points.
The group winners will face South Africa in the quarter-finals, while the runners-up will take on double defending champions New Zealand.
In brief
Guest
I picked it at the start - no way o’thied would let Japan win. Scrum penalty at crucial time
Clash
Roar Pro
Half time. Excellent game with Japan terrific. We’re just not good enough are we. Can’t see Japan losing now .... rats.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Haha Japan are doing a good job, so far
In brief
Guest
Really can’t see Japan winning with O’Keefe at the helm - he will punish them like he does all tier 2 nations
Kiwi in nz
Guest
So glad this game is on. What an atmosphere it will be.
In brief
Guest
The plank is convinced Scotland are a slow plodding team- weird
Drew
Roar Rookie
Good to hear. You too mate. Not long now :thumbup:
In brief
Guest
Damn - O’Keefe is the ref - cyclops
Peter
Guest
Bwahahahaha. Did you check Gonzo99’s message below? Stick that up yer sporran!
jameswm
Roar Guru
Yeah. Apparently not.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Thanks for the local updates OJ.
Flyman
Roar Rookie
Go Japan!
Gonzo99
Roar Rookie
Err ... Squad % born outside of their country - Scotland 46.3% Japan 37.1% Glad the game's on though.
Rhys Bosley
Guest
18 people have died I'm this typhoon and the Scots threaten so sue over a footy game? Whoever wins I know where the moral victory will lie.
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Surely you jest?
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
Saw this comment this morning: "I'm on mah Wii... Just wishing I could play a game todeeeeeeeeeeeey... Uh huh Uh huh Uh huh Uh huh Yeeeeeeees I'm on my way from misery to happiness Uh huh Uh huh Uh huh Uh huh Perhaps an amusing prediction based on the perception that all Scotland needed was for this game to go ahead. Jamie Joseph will have other ideas. It’s true that Scotland were building nicely after their poor showing against Ireland. But I have the feeling Jamie Joseph has been targeting this game to make a statement about just how good his charges are. As a rugby fan, I’m relieved to see a highly anticipated pool match is going ahead. Scotland has always been my sentimental favourite but who cannot be enchanted by this Japanese side and their wonderful fans? Not an easy situation though when your country has just been through a terrible natural event causing deaths and untold destruction. Hope they don’t feel the pressure to perform for their people.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
We are all fine. Thanks for asking. Enjoy the game.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Clash “Scotland were cheated out of a win over Oz in the last cup… we were quite good sports over that one.” Mmmm..... If you say so Clash. If you say so.
Tigranes
Guest
Japan is a team of mercenaries from South Africa, Tonga, Korea and NZ, Scotland is a team of 100% Scotsmen...Scotland to win by 25.
Go Japan.!