The View From Japan: Typhoon Hagibis

For four years, players, coaches, fans and critics plot, scheme, predict and overthink the permutations of every game. Players work tirelessly in the gym and on the field, knowing that they are guaranteed at least four occasions to honour their country and their sport.

Online source factsanddetails.com will tell you an average of 11 typhoons approach Japan every year with an average of three making landfall. How cruel is Mother Nature to drop one of the most violent typhoons on Japan in the middle of their grand international spectacle.

As of the time of writing, only Italy had been robbed of their final game. While they may not have beaten New Zealand, the fact that they don’t get the chance to take to the field one more time in an attempt to redeem their poor showing against the Springboks is going to leave a very un-Italian taste in the mouth. The All Blacks of course will still have their quarterfinal to look forward to.

However, England and France may actually be smiling, as this will leave them fresher for their now confirmed quarterfinals against Australia and Wales respectively. Sadly, there is still the prospect of Sunday’s games being under threat. If Japan were to progress ahead of Scotland on account of rain, that would truly leave a black mark on what has been a stunning tournament. Namibia and Canada will also see years of preparation go down a Japanese drain should the weather not cooperate.

The local fans have been exceptional and any further cancellations would be a massive disappointment for Japan and rugby as a whole. Some may even question why provisions were not made for a reserve day or emergency rescheduling. The integrity of each further result could be compromised and will open the door for scapegoating from those who will inevitably be harvesting sour grapes.