In their infinite wisdom, World Rugby chose to schedule the World Cup in a country that is prone to typhoons at this time of year, and to make absolutely no contingency plans should a typhoon threaten.
In a development that appears to have taken the organisers completely by surprise, there is a typhoon headed in Japan’s direction, and two matches have been cancelled, with Japan v Scotland still in doubt.
France will miss out on the possibility of beating England to top their group, and Italy will miss out on a historic chance to beat the All-Blacks and progress to the quarter-finals for the first time.
All right, nobody thinks that Italy would have beaten New Zealand, but it’s a funny old game and a couple of red cards, or another sneaky peek at the rule-book, could have produced the upset of the century. Apparently we’ll never know.
As Parisse said:
“It is ridiculous that a decision of this nature has been made because it isn’t like the fans arrived yesterday. It is ridiculous that there was no plan B, because it isn’t news that typhoons hit Japan.
“Sure everyone might think that Italy versus New Zealand being cancelled counts for nothing because we’d have lost anyway, but we deserved to be respected as a team. We had the chance to play in a big stadium, against a great team.
“The alternative is plan B. When you organise a World Cup you should have one in place.”
Should the Japan v Scotland match be cancelled, all three teams in Pool A contention will have reason to feel aggrieved also: Scotland for obvious reasons, Japan because it is not the way you’d want to go through, and Ireland because they miss the chance to top the pool (that being in Scotland’s gift, rather than Ireland’s hands, of course).
Quite frankly, World Cup should be handed a red card for bringing the game into disrepute. Players and fans alike (and no doubt the sponsors too) are rightly furious.
These matches should be rescheduled in alternative locations.
Last weekend’s rugby
For a rundown on the state of play as of 07/10, please see Deebee’s excellent synopsis.
On the telly this week … or not
Friday 11th October
| Australia 27 – 8 Georgia | 11:15 | ITV4 |
| Cheetahs 40 – 16 Munster | 17:15 | Premier Sports 1 |
| Dragons 14 – 38 Connacht | 19:35 | Premier Sports 2 / TG4 / S4C |
| Leinster 40 – 14 Edinburgh | 19:35 | Premier Sports 1 |
| Gloucester 24 – 26 Bath | 19:45 | BT Sport 1 |
Saturday 12th October
| New Zealand v Italy | 05:45 | CANCELLED |
| England v France | 09:15 | CANCELLED |
| Ireland 47 – 5 Samoa | 11:45 | ITV |
| Kings 17 – 42 Ulster | 15:00 | Premier Sports 2 |
| Scarlets 54 – 10 Zebre | 15:00 | Freesports |
| Ospreys v Treviso | 19:35 | Premier Sports 2 |
| Glasgow v Cardiff | 19:35 | Premier Sports 1 |
Sunday 13th October
| Namibia v Canada | 04:15 | ITV |
| USA v Tonga | 06:45 | ITV |
| Wales v Uruguay | 09:10 | ITV / S4C |
| Japan v Scotland | 11:45 | ITV |
I was teaching some people at a water management company in Prague. Nice bunch, love their H20. One of them apologised for being absent the week before. He said he’d gone to Scotland on holiday so I asked him some of his impressions.
Edinburgh – good for sightseeing, but you can do it in 2 days.
Glasgow – best for nightlife.
Rugby – They wanted to go to Murrayfield but were disappointed there was no game at the weekend. Didn’t go to Scotstoun because they didn’t fancy the look of the ground.
Football – They didn’t have to buy a drink on Friday night after the Czech Republic beat England.
Scottish beer – not terrible.
Loch Lomond – “proper water”.
The Scottish accent – comprehensible, apart from a number of people in railway stations.
The Scottish people – very kind, very friendly. “Much kinder and friendlier than Czech people”.
Best thing in Scotland – the Falkirk Wheel, which is one of “The Seven Wonders of the Water Engineering World” and “beautiful”. I saw some pictures. It is very good.
As always, I’m only reporting what he told me and am not responsible for the opinions expressed.
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The Falkirk Wheel is indeed marvellous, as Iks would say. Although the Kelpies are very impressive too, but they see only statues and have no use. They were originally intended to move, but that got scuppered due to cost I think.
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It would have been quite something to see the Kelpies bravely rearing up, BB
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Hrmm, I’m having to sing in via gravatar for every post at the moment
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Hrmm, I’m having to sing in via gravatar for every post at the moment
Which key is that in?
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Apparently I’m a lock, according to the quiz.
In England, I did play lock, as well as flank and wing. With a couple of appearances at centre.
University coach used me at lock, but another coach preferred me at flank.
I’m slow now, and heavier, so maybe now I’d be a prop.
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All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Sevu Reece, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, George Bridge, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Scott Barrett, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett.
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Crotty injured?
That’s not the three-quarter line I’d’ve expected a year ago.
Ireland’ll need to be at the their absolute best. But then would they able to get back from the high of beating the All Blacks to beating England (or Australia) the week after?
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George Ford cruelly dropped by heartless Eddie
England: 15-Elliot Daly, 14-Anthony Watson, 13-Henry Slade, 12-Manu Tuilagi, 11-Jonny May, 10-Owen Farrell (captain), 9-Ben Youngs, 8-Billy Vunipola, 7-Sam Underhill, 6-Tom Curry, 5-Courtney Lawes, 4-Maro Itoje, 3-Kyle Sinckler, 2-Jamie George, 1-Mako Vunipola. Replacements: 16-Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17-Joe Marler, 18-Dan Cole, 19-George Kruis, 20-Lewis Ludlam, 21-Willi Heinz, 22-George Ford, 23-Jamie Joseph.
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And the Sais:
England – 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Jonny May, 10 Owen Farrell (c), 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Tom Curry, 5 Courtney Lawes, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola.
Subs: 16 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 17 Joe Marler, 18 Dan Cole, 19 George Kruis, 20 Louis Ludlam, 21 Willi Heinz, 22 George Ford, 23 Jamie Joseph.
Young George Ford gets the boot. Not convinced he isn’t a better outside half, who’s been in better form, but Farrell’s a TMA so, you know.
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Eddie Jones picking Jamie Joseph is a controversial decision. Not sure the 50-year-old Japan coach is in the England squad.
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That’s quite a side the Darkness are putting out. It’ll be interesting to see if Ireland target the callow back three, even if Bridge and Reece have been outstanding in Super Rugby this season. ALB and Goodhue at centre is exciting, but the ABs back line has the merest whiff of being more makeshift than usual, by their lofty standards.
Forwards are strong in the back 5, even if Read is not quite as imperious as he once was and Retallick is coming back from a long injury lay off. Joe Moody will be subbed early because he’s shit.
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Crotty not injured – Hansen says he’s picking the form centre combo.
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Excellent! We get to debate the England midfield again! Apparently Henry Slade has only played about 40 minutes of rugby since June? That’s quite risky with big Samu Kerevi barreling down on you. Where did you get that team from TomP? I’m sure Ludlam is Lewis, not Louis?
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Morning all!
TomP & Enzo – thanks for the info (gulp). Mother rang just after I’d posted my question, and it was a looooong phone call.
To your friends from Prague, I’ll say that Prague is an absolutely beautiful city, and the natives are very friendly! The library in the monastery is stunning.
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Bundee Aki out and Ireland not appealing:
“The Ireland management will not appeal the sanction handed down to Bundee,” the Irish Rugby Football Union said in a statement. “We are disappointed with the outcome and believe that Bundee’s time will be best served helping prepare the squad for its remaining RWC19 fixtures.”
Remaining fixtures? SO victory against the All Blacks is assured then. Sean Cronin also out, being replaced by Cape Town legend Rob ‘Red’ Herring.
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Deebee, From a South African source. It’d be something if it’s the actual team England handed in and Ludlam and Joseph aren’t allowed on the park because they’re not Louis and Jamie and the ID’s don’t match up.
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Thaum, has your mum just been in Prague? Hope she wasn’t one of those NI soccer fans causing trouble.
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Ha, no, I was in Prague a couple of years ago.
My mother would be likely to talk opponents to death.
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Does she have many opponents?
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Going on how she was as a teacher my mother would likely reduce opponents to a gibbering wreck by being unexpectedly nice and/or fair to them.
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Sent you some more nonsense Thaum.
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Ford unlucky.
Kiwi team looks weak.
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Not sure if the Bok team to face Japan has been posted yet, but here we go anyway:
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Tendai Mtawarira
Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Francois Louw, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Frans Steyn
6-2 split on the bench again, with a full replacement tight five plus Francois Louw covering the loose trio. No surprises in the starting backs with that being as good as it gets. My only quibble would be Lood de Jager over Franco Mostert to start in the 5 jersey, but it’s a minor one. Looking at it in retrospect, it seems that Erasmus is putting his more mobile locks on the bench, which may be wise if things get loose in the latter stages – ditto Malcolm Marx, whilst Kitshoff will be key to battering away at close range later on a la WP Nel and Fagerson last weekend.
Let’s just hope Japan’s props last longer than Italy’s – really don’t want uncontested scrums for a long period against Japan! Speaking of which, this is basically the same side that duffed Italy two weeks ago.
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I should add, it looks like we’re rolling out the rolling maul again, with that heavyweight starting pack and Bongi Mbonambi’s superb control at the back of the maul. Think we’ll need 35+ points to take this one. 4 rolling maul tries and a Cheslin special at a bare minimum.
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Nothing says that you’re getting into the festival of rugby mindset more than picking two bench locks that are bigger than Godzilla.
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Pfft! Mostert is tiny for a Bok lock – under 2m and only 112kg. If Nick Mallett was still in charge, he’d be looking at him as a 9.
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RG Snyman is quite big. But great hands for a big lump.
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Reading around, I’m getting very nervous. All the talk is about how Japan have been preparing meticulously since January plotting against every opponent for every situation. Will it be Brighton all over again? Japan dealt with Ireland’s pack, who says they won’t deal with ours? Will we even get the ball? And if we do, will Faf just boot it aimlessly away – Japan contest the high ball way better than we do. Am I over-thinking this? Will I even get to see it, with Mrs Deebee insisting on shopping this weekend for our new house? Can someone please set my mind at ease?
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Cardiff Legends were trying to sign RG Snyman over the summer, apparently.
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A nice highlights reel of RG Snyman – some really nice offloads, good defence, good ball carrying in addition to his role as a lineout and kick-off receiver.
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Ooof!
Slade straight in and Ford straight out.
Lawes over Kruis and Ludlum over Wilson
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nervous now!
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Team aww look:
Beale, Hodge, Petaia, Kerevi, Koroibete, Lealiifano, Genia
Sio, Latu, Alaatoa, Rodda, Arnold, Pocock, Hooper, Naisarani
Uelese, Slipper, Tupou, Coleman, Salakaia-Loto, White, To’omua, O’Connor
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‘6-2 split on the bench again, with a full replacement tight five plus’
wonder how the boks are going to play this game…
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Really can’t see the wobblies winning
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Go Japan!
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Petaia? Hmmmmmmmm
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Ah, good. No worries about England being undercooked then, cos we have a completely new back line.
BIG FEAR.
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Sbt – aus have a nipper in theirs.
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@Enzom, “kiwis team looks weak”
…I hope the Irish players think so, too.
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Gah! Can someone ensuave the name there for me?
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NZ team contains a lot of names who probably aren’t quite in the “established” bracket, especially in the backs. Obviously high quality players, but surprised SBW or Crotty didn’t get in for an old head (and solid defence). Back 3 might be vulnerable against Sexton & Murray. Brodie back is a big plus, if he is fully match fit. Some hope there for Ireland, but think NZ are too good
Agree with DB on the Boks strongest 15. The 6-2 split is a big gamble imho. If you are doing it, why 2 locks (when PSdT can cover lock) and not a game changing back row like Kwagga? Also, with only Frans Steyn, they are in massive trouble if any outside backs (or indeed Pollard) get injured. They also seem to be going with a clear plan to overwhelm the Japanese with forward DOMINATION. Don’t see how they can change things if, for some reason, the game doesn’t go their way.
England made a good decision to choose 1 of the flyhalf and 2 out and out and out centres. Form suggests Ford, but can see why they went Farrell. I prefer JJ to Slade, but both are very good options. Rest looks very strong, though I prefer Marler to Mako these days.
No idea what Aus are thinking. Forwards are fine, but that is a minging backline. England will cut them to shreds. Lealiifano is ok, but nothing special, Kerevi devastating on the attack but not much of a defender. Korobeite ditto (but not quite as good). Hodge is slow, Beale is poor defensively and they have picked a kid winger at 13. White works for them better than Genia nowadays.
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Suavo, Is Bin Smuth injured? Surprised he is not on the bench.
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Look, he’s just a young guy trying to throw the ball around and play some footy. Do you want him to be chasing kicks when he’s just trying to play some footy with his mates?
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Also surprised by Dave Lawes in for Kruis, but not unhappy with it. Mentions of him playing flanker were giving me the heebeejeebies.
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Is Petaia not normally a 13 then?
Haven’t heard of him/seen him play to be honest, can someone more in the know give me a view on what he’s like?
If he isn’t normally a centre, given Kerevi can have iffy defensive positioning sometimes, it sounds like we could get some good opportunities through the middle if we can get quick ball (although that aus pack is worrying me that we’ll just end up with stodge/turnovers and kicking it away)
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It’s making me feel even more unsure about Saturday that I’m more scared of an aussie pack than their backline – it’s not right I tells ya!
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My mother’s never met anyone she couldn’t argue with.
ElS – ensuaved your name.
Craigs – cheers!
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@FalteringFB
Petaia is a very talented player. Coming through the age grades, he played mainly fullback with some centre and wing. Very quick, good footwork, good ball skills. Given time, he will be a top quality player.
He has played probably about 10 games of super rugby, all (as far as I can remember) on the wing. Big, big ask to ask him to play only his 3rd?? international at centre in a WC QF vs Englan
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