SCOTLAND 61 RUSSIA 0
(WE’LL SETTLE FOR A 1-0 WIN TONIGHT)
SCOTLAND’S Rugby World Cup bid could be blown away as Typhoon Hagibis prepares to unleash hell on Yokohama.
Gregor Townsend’s side set up a quarter-final decider against Japan with a 61-0 annihilation of Russia yesterday morning. The Scots are due to face the host nation on Sunday but the storm – that has been classed as “violent” and is set to reach speeds of 180mph – is due to hit
Japan’s second-largest city this weekend. Rugby chiefs are frantically drawing up a list to combat the chaos that also affects England’s showdown with France.
One option is to move the Group A clash to another venue. Another is to cancel it and declare the game a draw that would controversially end Scotland’s tournament.
Reports in France claim a decision has already been made to call off the games amid concerns over teams and fans travelling during a Category 5 super storm.
World Rugby is set to make an announcement today.
Townsend said: “It is a few days away and could miss the Tokyo area.
“Or it could still go there and we’ll be getting updates from World Rugby in the next two days as to what the contingencies are.
“We have had contact to say there will be an update over the next 24-48 hours, so I’m sure alternative venues and arrangements are being looked at.”
Townsend was delighted to see his team run in nine tries against the Russians to secure the bonus point that could prove vital to their bid for the last eight if a way is found to play Sunday’s game.
George Horne became the first Scottish scrum-half to score a Test hat-trick, Adam Hastings grabbed a double and George Turner, Tommy Seymour, John Barclay and Stuart McInally also crossed as Scotland secured their first back-to-back clean sheets for 55 years.
Townsend said: “Straight away we put them under pressure and our maul got better. We forced mistakes at their line-out so that was good to see. George and Adam both played with real confidence and speed. It was a good game for them.
“It is important we recover well then do what we can over the next few days to be in the best condition possible to play our best rugby on Sunday.”