Rugby World Cup 2019: Scotland’s hopes in the balance with inspection to follow Typhoon Hagibis

World Rugby will undertake a venue inspection following the passing of Typhoon Hagibis before deciding whether Scotland’s crunch Rugby World Cup clash against Japan goes ahead.

The Pool A fixture is under threat of cancellation with the severe storm approaching Japan’s east coast, bringing with it extreme winds and torrential downpours.

Yokohama, the scene of Sunday’s match, is in the typhoon’s path and the conditions could force tournament organisers to call off a third game, after scrapping England’s match with France and New Zealand’s fixture against Italy.

Scotland must win to have a realistic chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.

“Our primary consideration is the safety of everyone,” a World Rugby spokesperson said in a statement.

“We will undertake detailed venue inspections as soon as practically possible after the typhoon has passed and an update will be published as soon as that process has been undertaken in the morning.

“Our message to fans continues to be stay indoors today, stay safe and monitor official Rugby World Cup social and digital channels.”

WATCH | Preparations continue in Scotland camp. Take a look into today’s session in Hamamatsu, before the squad caught the Shinkansen to Yokohama. #AsOne #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/oVpvyLu2ku

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) October 11, 2019

Scotland sit third in Pool A, one point adrift of Ireland and four short of leaders Japan.

Scottish Rugby chief executive Mark Dodson has suggested legal action could be taken if World Rugby move to cancel the match, which would result in the points being shared.

Two of Sunday’s three other fixtures are expected to be unaffected, but the Pool B meeting between Canada and Namibia in the coastal city of Kamaishi is in doubt.

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