SCOTLAND: WE’LL SUE
Scrap our game and we will sue you, organisers are told
SCOTLAND are threatening legal action against World Rugby if they fail to play their group decider against Japan.
The fixture could be wiped out by Typhoon Hagibis and World Rugby’s stance is that tomorrow’s Yokohama showdown will not be rescheduled if it falls foul of the weather.
Any cancelled fixture would be deemed a draw, meaning Japan would go through to the quarterfinals and Scotland would be eliminated – assuming Ireland beat Samoa in today’s Pool A game.
But Scotland have turned to London lawyers to make their case for flexibility. “Supporters across the world are absolutely astounded at this rigidity from World Rugby,” said SRU chief executive Mark Dodson.
“The common-sense approach is to play the game 24 hours later in perfect safety when we can make sure the pool stages are completed and the sporting integrity of the tournament remains intact.
“World Rugby is pointing us back to the participation agreement. We’ve had legal opinion – from a leading QC – that challenges World Rugby’s interpretation. This is a glorious, world-class sporting occasion.We don’t want to be the people that taint that. But we also don’t want to be the collateral damage of this.
“There’s something that just doesn’t feel right about not fulfilling the final game.
“I think most people feel if it had been an economic powerhouse – let’s say New Zealand – perhaps more thought would have been given to a flexible approach.”
If Japan were willing to play on Monday it might be a different story, but they are not.
The Brave Blossoms, however, take issue with any suggestion they would prefer not to play at all and be gifted a spot in the quarter-finals.
“Everyone in our sport wants to play the Test match,” said Japan coach Jamie Joseph. “In my mind there’s never been a more significant match for Japan.
“There are a lot of firsts on the line.We’ve never beaten Scotland, we’ve never got to the last eight. We need to play on Sunday.”
While the Scots have dropped captain Stuart McInally, Japan have recalled theirs, Michael Leitch.
“We want to play and win the match,” said Leitch. “We see each match as an important opportunity to inspire Japan. We have the country behind us.”