Due to the cancellation of the match against New Zealand Italy is eliminated at the Rugby World Cup in Japan after the group stage. The organizers decided not to let the match take place on Saturday in Toyota because of the approaching super typhoon "Hagibis" for safety reasons. It is the first cancellation in the 32-year history of the tournament.
For Italy, it is a bitter premiere: With a victory against the defending champion, the team could have moved into the knockout stage by direct comparison - at least theoretically. Sporting little hinted at such an outcome of the encounter.
Also affected by the typhoon is the match between England and France on Saturday in Yokohama, which also can not take place. Both teams also received two points, but were already known as group first (England) and second in the group (France).
It is also exciting in the group A. There, Japan meets on Sunday as a group first on the group third Scotland. This game is also scheduled in Yokohama. For both teams a progress is not yet secured. Second-placed Ireland plays against Samoa the day before. If all games were canceled, Japan would continue as group first, Scotland would have the disadvantage.
"We have made the very difficult decision to cancel games in certain regions," said tournament director Alan Gilpin. The national weather service JMA rates Hagibi with the highest security level. "The storm will soften a bit when it reaches Japan, but it still remains strong," said a JMA spokesman for AFP.
Also Formula 1 threatens restrictions
Also, the organizers of the Formula 1 race in Suzuka observe the development of the storm. The Grand Prix of Japan will take place there on the weekend. Especially the hosting of the qualifying on Saturday (8 o'clock / TV: RTL and Sky) is obviously in danger, it threatens heavy rain and dangerous winds.
"But the safety of the fans, the drivers and everyone along the track has the highest priority," said the World Automobile Federation FIA. Make every effort to minimize the impact on the timetable.
Only in September had a typhoon caused serious damage in Japan. Typhoon "Faxai" hit Tokyo region with record wind speeds.