IRFU denies it tried to block plans for rivals to move venue

THE Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has strenuously denied reports it attempted to block the final Pool A match between Japan and Scotland from taking place at an alternative venue.

Having been in major doubt all week due to the arrival of Typhoon Hagibis, which swept through Japan over the weekend, the game ultimately went ahead in Yokohama Stadium yesterday as originally scheduled.

Pool matches between England and France and Italy and New Zealand were called off on Saturday, while Canada versus Namibia was cancelled yesterday as a result of the storm.

Efforts were made to investigate the possibility of moving the fixtures, but World Rugby decided the logistics were too difficult.

The IRFU robustly denied the suggestion made in a Sunday newspaper report they opposed the contingency plan.

The union took the unusual step of issuing a statement to refute the suggestion they were “vehemently opposed” to the rearrangement, claiming it was “totally without foundation”.

Threatened

The cancellation of several matches has sparked a political storm in World Rugby, with criticism of a lack of contingency plans for the disruption during typhoon season.

Scotland had reportedly threatened legal action if the game against Japan did not go ahead, as the cancellation would have resulted in a 0-0 draw being recorded. This would have dumped them out of the World Cup immediately.

However, the match did go ahead and resulted in one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament, with Japan winning 28-21.

The hosts once again proved too potent for Six Nations opposition and recorded a bonus-point victory, racking up four tries to top the pool.

Japan scored exciting tries, built off rapid transitions following turnovers, and tore through the Scottish defence with speed and confidence.

The result was always going to determine who Ireland will play in the last eight.

South Africa await the hosts and a difficult clash with New Zealand is the reward for runners-up Ireland, which will be played next Saturday.