Gregor Townsend has urged Rugby World Cup organisers to ensure Scotland’s match against Japan goes ahead on Sunday — even if it is behind closed doors.
The Scots are due to face Japan in Yokohama and they must defeat the hosts to qualify for the quarter-finals.
However, the match is in doubt due to the threat of Typhoon Hagibis, which this morning led to the cancellations England’s clash with France and Italy versus New Zealand.
A final decision on Scotland’s match will not be taken until Sunday morning, which seemingly rules out the chance of it being postponed until the following day. Instead, cancellation is the most likely outcome if the game cannot be played and that would lead to a 0-0 draw being declared and Townsend’s side being sent home.
As a result, the head coach has pleaded with World Cup organisers to do all they can to ensure the game goes ahead, even if it means playing in front of no spectators.
“We believe the game hasn’t been cancelled because the weather forecast is much improved for Sunday,” said Townsend.
“I believe the game will be played. The situation is changing a lot, but what we have been told is that Sunday looks clear now.
“What might happen is that the infrastructure might not be in place even though the weather is nice.
“That’s where we have to believe and have faith in the organisers that the game will be played even if it’s behind closed doors or at a different venue.
“I would hope that everyone who is involved in the tournament would want the game to be played and that they will do all they can to ensure that it is.”
