The decision by World Rugby to cancel the top of the table clash between England and France in Group C and the match between favourites New Zealand and Italy would not impact the qualification of teams for the quarter-finals.
However, it would now ensure that England are drawn in the same half with the All Blacks in the knockout draw. The two may clash in the semi-finals if they overcome their quarter-final opponents.
However, with the possibility of the match between Japan and Scotland on Sunday being also cancelled, it would throw the qualification from Group A into a chaos.
Typhoon Hagibis is expected to cause considerable disruption in the Tokyo, Yokohama and City of Toyota areas throughout Saturday. The authorities are still monitoring whether the same would continue on Sunday.
Japan currently leads the pool with 14 points against Ireland and Scotland, who have 11 and 10 points respectively.
If the match between Japan and the Scotland is cancelled, the Scottish side would see themselves out of the quarter-finals.
Ireland’s match against Samoa in Fukouka City tomorrow would take place as scheduled. A win would see the Irish at 14 points and if they manage to clinch a bonus point victory against the Samoans, they would be level on points with Japan on 15, if Sunday’s match is cancelled.
However, if the match between Japan and Scotland takes place as scheduled, it would be an interesting race into the quarter-finals.
Mathematically all three teams – Japan, Ireland and Scotland – can either move into the last eight or be eliminated.
The three teams can finish on level points if Ireland beat Samoa (without bonus point), and if Japan lose and get a bonus points (either by scoring four tries or losing by seven or fewer), with Scotland winning with a bonus point.
The top qualifier would than be decided on points difference, with the second spot being decided on head-to-head record at the tournament.
The bonus point system as well as the weather would play a crucial role in deciding who qualifies and who doesn’t in this group.
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