A super-typhoon name Hagibis may end up deciding South-Africa's quarterfinal opponents in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, once it makes landfall in Japan on Saturday.
World Rugby already announced the cancellation of two matches which were scheduled to take place in Tokyo and adjacent Yokohama.
The Pool B match between New Zealand and Italy is off, as is 'Le Crunch' between England and France, which would have decided the winners of Pool C.
It is the first time in Rugby World Cup history that matches have been cancelled.
Each team takes two points from the cancellation, which is treated is a 0-0 draw, which means that New Zealand is confirmed as Pool B winners, edging onto 16 points ahead of South Africa’s 15.
It also means that France, rather than England, is sent into South Africa’s half of the draw as runners up in Pool C.
However, the Springboks’ quarterfinal opponents remain unclear.
World Rugby said that Hagibis was predicted to be the biggest typhoon of the 2019 season and is 'highly likely' to cause considerable damage.
The Springboks’ quarterfinal is scheduled to take place at Tokyo Stadium (starts 12.15 pm SA time) on Sunday, October 20.
Picture:
- African News Agency (ANA)
