Rugby World Cup and delayed games.

by majesticimperialman Sun 29 Sep 2019, 9:26 pm

Can any one recall a time in the history of the Rugby World Cup when a schedule game had to be called off, and rescheduled and what effect did that rescheduled game have on the world cup? They say the weather might turn nasty before the next round gets under way.

Discuss.

by Guest Sun 29 Sep 2019, 9:36 pm

The 1912 World Cup. England, led by Charles ‘Charley’ Charles, had to delay their game vs Madagascar by 2 days due to the monsoon in India at the time. It had no effect on the World Cup, from memory.

Very Happy

by stub Sun 29 Sep 2019, 9:39 pm

Well found Oracle clap

by Guest Sun 29 Sep 2019, 9:41 pm

I vaguely remember really bad weather in something else. Maybe Wimbledon? They just moved everything back a few days and it ended up finishing on an odd day like Tuesday or Wednesday. Maybe another sport? Struggling to remember!

If the pool stages and outcomes get delayed due to the weather and postponed games then they could fairly easily move back the quarters, semis, final, etc. The main problem would be for those fans who have tickets and have already arranged travel to/from the games (e.g. plane tickets to/from Japan). But from a stadium and teams points of view, and perhaps tv broadcasting, I imagine it would be a fair easy thing to move.

by **RiscaGame** Sun 29 Sep 2019, 10:03 pm

Madge, are you aware that there won’t be rescheduled games? You don’t seem to be.

by tigertattie Sun 29 Sep 2019, 10:04 pm

Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.

by majesticimperialman Sun 29 Sep 2019, 10:12 pm

RiscaGame

No i was not aware or i would not have posted this.

But thanks for putting me straight. thumbsup

by Guest Sun 29 Sep 2019, 10:19 pm

tigertattie wrote:Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.

Really? Seems harsh if a delay of a day was possible that would not affect other games! Imagine if it was a ‘gimmee’ 5 point (relatively) guaranteed that a team needed to progress and then just ended up 2 points!

by No9 Sun 29 Sep 2019, 10:35 pm

The Oracle wrote:...Maybe another sport? Struggling to remember!
...

Ryder cup in Wales, was extended by a day, due to rain...

As for this tournament, they have enough stadiums with roofs, just reschedule to make use of them.

If All Black games declared drawer now, there’s a chance that they go out and Italy win the group. Erm

..... GO FOR IT Yahoo

by **Rugby Fan** Sun 29 Sep 2019, 11:47 pm

No9 wrote:...As for this tournament, they have enough stadiums with roofs, just reschedule to make use of them....

It's a real logistical nightmare to do that, which is why no games are due to be re-scheduled

Stadiums aren't just sitting idle, on the off-chance they'll be needed. Other events would need to be cancelled and compensated, and the stadium cleaned of non-World Cup advertising. You then need to arrange World Cup-level security and services at the stadium. Not only have you got to get teams, officials and TV crews over to a different venue, you have to sell tickets for it, as most local spectators won't schlep over to another city, especially during the week. Broadcasters also need to find space for it in their schedules.

It's just not feasible with the turnaround times.

There's a degree of flexibility built in for the knock-out stages because all those games need a winner, and the timetable gets easier.

Here's the English typhoon bulletin.

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

by SecretFly Mon 30 Sep 2019, 12:12 am

Well, whatever the weather ( and again who bloody chose Japan in Typhoon season?).... but whatever it is and if it does indeed cancel some games and force declaration of draws...., well, I don't care how they try to spin it or market it in the media, to me it would be a totally devalued WC. The pools define who goes through. If imposed draws decides who gets to the quarters then those play-off stages would be pointless exhibition games rather than a real contest

by Guest Mon 30 Sep 2019, 12:20 am

tigertattie wrote:Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.

That seems amateurish to be happening in this day and age. Is that definite?

EDIT: Apparently so. Tbf if there's ne nation who could do a job of it, it's probably the Japanese. It would be better playing the game in an empty stadium than just having a draw-by-default. As mentioned, I can see all sorts of legal issues and ramifications from big teams were they to suffer because their game against one of the minnows was declared a draw, and they missed out on the QFs as a result. Seems really, really amateurish. Even trying again the day after - as I think happened in the 6Ns when the Ireland/France game had a frozen pitch in Paris - makes more sense then just straight away declaring a draw.

by Guest Mon 30 Sep 2019, 12:24 am

Also, nevermind Japanese typhoon, look what Britain/Ireland has heading its way:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AhbpvjjNi/

by **Rugby Fan** Mon 30 Sep 2019, 12:27 am

SecretFly wrote:...and again who bloody chose Japan in Typhoon season?...

Well, no-one appears to have a problem arranging major events in areas affected by the Atlantic hurricane season.

If you want to avoid scheduling in places affected by the Pacific typhoon season, then you'd need to strike Korea, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam and Hong Kong at a bare minimum.

I can see all sorts of legal issues and ramifications from big teams were they to suffer because their game against one of the minnows was declared a draw, and they missed out on the QFs as a result.

The tournament rules are known to all in advance. What legal basis would there be to make a claim?

by No9 Mon 30 Sep 2019, 12:28 am

Can’t see a cancellation and draw, it would not go down well for RWC branding. The Japanese have put on a tremendous RWC so far, I do hope the weather doesn’t spoil it.

by Guest Mon 30 Sep 2019, 12:33 am

The legal basis of there's a shed heap of money to be made when things go wrong, as is always the case. I'll defer to you that you know more on this topic than me, but if/when the sheet hits the fan, it's fair to say the full force of whatever is available to whoever suffers the most will be hurled towards WR.

by SecretFly Mon 30 Sep 2019, 8:32 am

Rugby Fan wrote:
SecretFly wrote:...and again who bloody chose Japan in Typhoon season?...
Well, no-one appears to have a problem arranging major events in areas affected by the Atlantic hurricane season.

Look, I love the idea of Japan hosting it. Always seem like great, nice people to me in my encounters. Delighted for them and the change of textures, sounds and traditions for the World Cup. And of course sports happen in Typhoon season and Hurricane season.

But specifically dealing with this Rugby World Cup, if some pools are decided by imposed draws rather than fair contests on the field then I say what follows will be just exhibition stuff. Now it won't be marketed as such by the media if it happens. It'll be all focus on the two finalists, how by and large they were the rightful contenders and you can only play to the rules etc, etc. But for me personally - worthless as a contest of fair play.

Anyway, we're all projecting on 'what ifs'. Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

..........Some more strategic souls here now muttering to themselves, "Hmmmm, I hope that it does"...... Cool

by **LondonTiger** Mon 30 Sep 2019, 8:43 am

tigertattie wrote:Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.

From the tournament rules:

3. Delayed, Postponed, Abandoned and Cancelled Matches

In the interests of the Teams, the commencement of Matches at the scheduled time shall be the first priority in all instances. However, in circumstances deemed necessary and/or appropriate by RWCL, Matches may need to be delayed, postponed, abandoned or cancelled. All decisions in this regard shall be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Where the delay, abandonment, postponement or cancellation of a Match is deemed to be caused by a Participating Union, not acting under instruction of a Match Official or Match Commissioner, such Participating Union shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Participation Agreement, be subject to the decisions of RWCL regarding forfeiture of the Match, and financial and/or other sanctions as appropriate.

A policy regarding the minimum time Teams will receive for warm up and other Match preparation in the cases of delayed Matches will be circulated to Teams in due course. At all times, Teams should adhere to the transport and Match day timings provided to them by JR 2019 and RWCL.

Pool Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Cancelled Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be commenced on the day in which it is scheduled, it shall not be postponed to the following day, and shall be considered as cancelled. In such situations, the result shall be declared a draw and Teams will be allocated two Match points each and no score registered. For the avoidance of doubt, no bonus points will be awarded.

Abandoned Matches
Where a pool Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it will not be rescheduled to the following day, and will be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half time or at any time during the second half, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half the result shall be declared a draw for Match points purposes, however each Team will keep its score at the time of the abandonment. Any bonus points for scoring four tries secured at the time of the abandonment are also retained by the Teams involved in abandoned pool Matches.

Knock-out Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Postponed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be commenced on the scheduled Match day, it will be considered as postponed, and will be re-scheduled to be played within the two days following the scheduled Match day, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Abandoned Matches
Where a knock-out Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it shall be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half-time or at any time during the second half or any additional periods of play, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.If the above result is a tie, then the winner will be determined by reference to the following sequential criteria:
-The Team which scored most tries in that particular Match.
-The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
-Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the winner shall be the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half, the Match shall be played again in full within the two days following the scheduled Match day at the same Venue, or if required, an alternate Venue as directed by RWCL, for the full time, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Cancelled Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot commence within the two days following the scheduled Match day (or such longer period as specified by RWCL) or is abandoned prior to half-time and cannot be postponed and rescheduled within this period, it shall be considered as cancelled.

In such situations, the following sequential criteria shall apply to determine the winner of the cancelled Match:

>The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase (applicable in quarter-finals and semifinals).
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
>Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).

by **LondonTiger** Mon 30 Sep 2019, 8:44 am

So in short knockout matches can be postponed for at least two days, or longer should the organisers deem it so.

by SecretFly Mon 30 Sep 2019, 8:54 am

LondonTiger wrote:So in short knockout matches can be postponed for at least two days, or longer should the organisers deem it so.

No! A travesty!!!! Despicable!! That'll give rivals potentially more rest periods than others!!!! I'm never happy me!!!!!! Let's call off the World Cup now!!!!!!!! Run

by No9 Mon 07 Oct 2019, 6:34 pm

... so a cancelled game (pool) gives 0 pts and a draw.. Then cancelled knockout, goes to the team who scored most points in the pool. HUH!!! So giving it to the team which was lucky NOT to have a cancelled game then..

Will be just our luck.... knocked out of the RWC by act of God.

by **RiscaGame** Mon 07 Oct 2019, 7:14 pm

No9 wrote:knocked out of the RWC by act of God.

Why would AWJ do that? Shocked

by majesticimperialman Mon 07 Oct 2019, 9:25 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
No9 wrote:knocked out of the RWC by act of God.

Why would AWJ do that?

To give Wales a chance of the Rugby World Cup Final. Whistle

by **Rugby Fan** Mon 07 Oct 2019, 9:45 pm

https://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

Typhoon course forecast to be a bit further east, which also affects the other matches on Saturday. Yokohama Stadium has no roof.

If France England had to be called off, the organisers might be tempted not to reschedule, as both sides have already qualified. Both also have to be in Oita to play their quarter finals the following weekend, so neither would necessarily welcome rescheduling the match, and having much-shortened preparation for the knock-out rounds.

Then again, 70,000 tickets were sold for that pool match. Unless insurance covers it, or else the organisers can get away with no refunds, then the lost revenue would be significant.

by No9 Mon 07 Oct 2019, 10:29 pm

They’ve posted the rules, they can’t go back on that and reschedule pool games. So, if Wales game cancelled and Australia goes ahead, assuming wales beat Fiji, then they’ll have the second spot.

If England v France game is cancelled, would have no impact to pool positions.

So there could be a Wales v England QF, if Wales v Uruguay game doesn’t go ahead and could push us along the All Black route. Don’t mind meeting England, but would like to avoid All Blacks to the final, if we get that far.

by maestegmafia Tue 08 Oct 2019, 7:15 am

No9 wrote:They’ve posted the rules, they can’t go back on that and reschedule pool games. So, if Wales game cancelled and Australia goes ahead, assuming wales beat Fiji, then they’ll have the second spot.

If England v France game is cancelled, would have no impact to pool positions.

So there could be a Wales v England QF, if Wales v Uruguay game doesn’t go ahead and could push us along the All Black route. Don’t mind meeting England, but would like to avoid All Blacks to the final, if we get that far.

If wales beat England and New Zealand to reach the final I would be pretty damn confident we could win the whole thing.

by **RiscaGame** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 9:05 am

majesticimperialman wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
No9 wrote:knocked out of the RWC by act of God.

Why would AWJ do that?

To give Wales a chance of the Rugby World Cup Final.

I've read this a few times now and I still can't work out what you're on about.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 9:57 am

No9 wrote:They’ve posted the rules, they can’t go back on that and reschedule pool games. So, if Wales game cancelled and Australia goes ahead, assuming wales beat Fiji, then they’ll have the second spot.

If England v France game is cancelled, would have no impact to pool positions.

So there could be a Wales v England QF, if Wales v Uruguay game doesn’t go ahead and could push us along the All Black route. Don’t mind meeting England, but would like to avoid All Blacks to the final, if we get that far.

If Wales beat Fiji and Australia beat Georgia, both with bonus points, we would See Australia on 16 points, Wales on 14. Wales would still top the group with the two points they would gain if the match v Uruguay was cancelled due to beating Australia earlier.

by Guest Tue 08 Oct 2019, 10:01 am

LondonTiger wrote:
No9 wrote:They’ve posted the rules, they can’t go back on that and reschedule pool games. So, if Wales game cancelled and Australia goes ahead, assuming wales beat Fiji, then they’ll have the second spot.

If England v France game is cancelled, would have no impact to pool positions.

So there could be a Wales v England QF, if Wales v Uruguay game doesn’t go ahead and could push us along the All Black route. Don’t mind meeting England, but would like to avoid All Blacks to the final, if we get that far.

If Wales beat Fiji and Australia beat Georgia, both with bonus points, we would See Australia on 16 points, Wales on 14. Wales would still top the group with the two points they would gain if the match v Uruguay was cancelled due to beating Australia earlier.

Yeehaw! Bring on the rain!

by mikey_dragon Tue 08 Oct 2019, 11:19 am

Japan can't host again if they a single game has to be called off. That would be shocking for the teams having to settle for 2 points, and could be very costly.

by LordDowlais Tue 08 Oct 2019, 11:21 am

Or we could start hosting a world cup out outside of the NH season and not in Typhoon season.

by SecretFly Tue 08 Oct 2019, 11:36 am

LordDowlais wrote:Or we could start hosting a world cup out outside of the NH season and not in Typhoon season.

Dem clubs, Dem clubs, Dem big influential clubs....

by R!skysports Tue 08 Oct 2019, 1:08 pm

A real possibility would be for the Scotland vs Japan match to be called off now

That would be a huge impact, as would give Scotland no chance to qualify and even though we are pants, would be very upsetting to go out like that

Not as upsetting as last world cup though

Oh to be a Scots fan

by mikey_dragon Tue 08 Oct 2019, 1:40 pm

Which is why this world cup would be a disaster if that were to happen. I'd be surprised if the Japanese didn't have a contingency in place for this sort of thing; is it world rugby that's stopping them?

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 1:46 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Which is why this world cup would be a disaster if that were to happen. I'd be surprised if the Japanese didn't have a contingency in place for this sort of thing; is it world rugby that's stopping them?

It is the schedule mainly. You have to have the same rules for all pool matches. Yes I know that most games have gone now but you cannot change the rules half way through. There is a minimum gap of 4 days required between each match, thus while you can accommodate some delay in the KO games without causing knock on delays, that would not be the case in the Pool games necessarily.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 1:49 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Which is why this world cup would be a disaster if that were to happen. I'd be surprised if the Japanese didn't have a contingency in place for this sort of thing; is it world rugby that's stopping them?

I have edited what I believe was an unintentional ethnic slur.

by mikey_dragon Tue 08 Oct 2019, 1:54 pm

Yeah I PM'd you about that, sorry.

If it's the schedule, then that's WR and Broadcasters? Rescheduling doesn't seem so easy then, but the Japanese are clever and I would be surprised if they were happy just to call games off. We can get 5 points against Uruguay easily, yet might have to settle for 2nd place. A bit of a kick in the teeth. The same for Scotland, Ireland and Japan who have it all to play for in that round too. If this is the case then it's not worth hosting another RWC here sadly.

by LordDowlais Tue 08 Oct 2019, 1:59 pm

Surely, delaying the very last pool game by a day or two should not be an issue, especially as all the next games in the knockouts will be played on weekends, if it were in the middle of the group stages, then I would sympathise, but it's not, it's the last group of fixtures.

What if the final was in trouble with the weather ?

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:00 pm

Problem is if you have to delay Scotland v Russia, then you also need to delay Scotland v Japan and potentially causing more issues for the KO stages.

There is also the issue of not having exclusive use of all the Stadia.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:01 pm

LordDowlais wrote:Surely, delaying the very last pool game by a day or two should not be an issue, especially as all the next games in the knockouts will be played on weekends, if it were in the middle of the group stages, then I would sympathise, but it's not, it's the last group of fixtures.

What if the final was in trouble with the weather ?

Knock out stages can be delayed by up to two days, more if the organisers deem they can accommodate a bigger shift.

I do not believe you should change the rules half way through teh pool stages.

by **Afro** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:05 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:Surely, delaying the very last pool game by a day or two should not be an issue, especially as all the next games in the knockouts will be played on weekends, if it were in the middle of the group stages, then I would sympathise, but it's not, it's the last group of fixtures.

What if the final was in trouble with the weather ?

Knock out stages can be delayed by up to two days, more if the organisers deem they can accommodate a bigger shift.

I do not believe you should change the rules half way through teh pool stages.

What happens to the result of those matches if they can't be rescheduled within the two days (or the bigger shift). As knockout games, I just assumed they would have to be played as a scoreless draw doesn't produce the winner a knockout round requires.

Presumably there is something in the rules around pool match performance/world ranking/flip of a coin?

by Soul Requiem Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:05 pm

Alternatively if you're unwilling to move fixtures then don't host it in a country at risk of adverse weather.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:07 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.
From the tournament rules:

3. Delayed, Postponed, Abandoned and Cancelled Matches

In the interests of the Teams, the commencement of Matches at the scheduled time shall be the first priority in all instances. However, in circumstances deemed necessary and/or appropriate by RWCL, Matches may need to be delayed, postponed, abandoned or cancelled. All decisions in this regard shall be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Where the delay, abandonment, postponement or cancellation of a Match is deemed to be caused by a Participating Union, not acting under instruction of a Match Official or Match Commissioner, such Participating Union shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Participation Agreement, be subject to the decisions of RWCL regarding forfeiture of the Match, and financial and/or other sanctions as appropriate.

A policy regarding the minimum time Teams will receive for warm up and other Match preparation in the cases of delayed Matches will be circulated to Teams in due course. At all times, Teams should adhere to the transport and Match day timings provided to them by JR 2019 and RWCL.

Pool Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Cancelled Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be commenced on the day in which it is scheduled, it shall not be postponed to the following day, and shall be considered as cancelled. In such situations, the result shall be declared a draw and Teams will be allocated two Match points each and no score registered. For the avoidance of doubt, no bonus points will be awarded.

Abandoned Matches
Where a pool Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it will not be rescheduled to the following day, and will be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half time or at any time during the second half, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half the result shall be declared a draw for Match points purposes, however each Team will keep its score at the time of the abandonment. Any bonus points for scoring four tries secured at the time of the abandonment are also retained by the Teams involved in abandoned pool Matches.

Knock-out Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Postponed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be commenced on the scheduled Match day, it will be considered as postponed, and will be re-scheduled to be played within the two days following the scheduled Match day, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Abandoned Matches
Where a knock-out Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it shall be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half-time or at any time during the second half or any additional periods of play, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.If the above result is a tie, then the winner will be determined by reference to the following sequential criteria:
-The Team which scored most tries in that particular Match.
-The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
-Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the winner shall be the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half, the Match shall be played again in full within the two days following the scheduled Match day at the same Venue, or if required, an alternate Venue as directed by RWCL, for the full time, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Cancelled Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot commence within the two days following the scheduled Match day (or such longer period as specified by RWCL) or is abandoned prior to half-time and cannot be postponed and rescheduled within this period, it shall be considered as cancelled.

In such situations, the following sequential criteria shall apply to determine the winner of the cancelled Match:

>The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase (applicable in quarter-finals and semifinals).
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
>Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).

Bump

by **Afro** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:09 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.
From the tournament rules:

3. Delayed, Postponed, Abandoned and Cancelled Matches

In the interests of the Teams, the commencement of Matches at the scheduled time shall be the first priority in all instances. However, in circumstances deemed necessary and/or appropriate by RWCL, Matches may need to be delayed, postponed, abandoned or cancelled. All decisions in this regard shall be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Where the delay, abandonment, postponement or cancellation of a Match is deemed to be caused by a Participating Union, not acting under instruction of a Match Official or Match Commissioner, such Participating Union shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Participation Agreement, be subject to the decisions of RWCL regarding forfeiture of the Match, and financial and/or other sanctions as appropriate.

A policy regarding the minimum time Teams will receive for warm up and other Match preparation in the cases of delayed Matches will be circulated to Teams in due course. At all times, Teams should adhere to the transport and Match day timings provided to them by JR 2019 and RWCL.

Pool Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Cancelled Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be commenced on the day in which it is scheduled, it shall not be postponed to the following day, and shall be considered as cancelled. In such situations, the result shall be declared a draw and Teams will be allocated two Match points each and no score registered. For the avoidance of doubt, no bonus points will be awarded.

Abandoned Matches
Where a pool Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it will not be rescheduled to the following day, and will be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half time or at any time during the second half, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half the result shall be declared a draw for Match points purposes, however each Team will keep its score at the time of the abandonment. Any bonus points for scoring four tries secured at the time of the abandonment are also retained by the Teams involved in abandoned pool Matches.

Knock-out Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Postponed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be commenced on the scheduled Match day, it will be considered as postponed, and will be re-scheduled to be played within the two days following the scheduled Match day, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Abandoned Matches
Where a knock-out Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it shall be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half-time or at any time during the second half or any additional periods of play, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.If the above result is a tie, then the winner will be determined by reference to the following sequential criteria:
-The Team which scored most tries in that particular Match.
-The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
-Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the winner shall be the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half, the Match shall be played again in full within the two days following the scheduled Match day at the same Venue, or if required, an alternate Venue as directed by RWCL, for the full time, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Cancelled Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot commence within the two days following the scheduled Match day (or such longer period as specified by RWCL) or is abandoned prior to half-time and cannot be postponed and rescheduled within this period, it shall be considered as cancelled.

In such situations, the following sequential criteria shall apply to determine the winner of the cancelled Match:

>The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase (applicable in quarter-finals and semifinals).
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
>Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).

Bump

Thanks. Sorry, should have scrolled back a bit further!

by **Afro** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:16 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
LondonTiger wrote:
tigertattie wrote:Games don’t get postponed. If they can’t be played they are cancelled and the game is declared a draw.

No idea what happens in the knock out stages though.
From the tournament rules:

3. Delayed, Postponed, Abandoned and Cancelled Matches

In the interests of the Teams, the commencement of Matches at the scheduled time shall be the first priority in all instances. However, in circumstances deemed necessary and/or appropriate by RWCL, Matches may need to be delayed, postponed, abandoned or cancelled. All decisions in this regard shall be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Where the delay, abandonment, postponement or cancellation of a Match is deemed to be caused by a Participating Union, not acting under instruction of a Match Official or Match Commissioner, such Participating Union shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Participation Agreement, be subject to the decisions of RWCL regarding forfeiture of the Match, and financial and/or other sanctions as appropriate.

A policy regarding the minimum time Teams will receive for warm up and other Match preparation in the cases of delayed Matches will be circulated to Teams in due course. At all times, Teams should adhere to the transport and Match day timings provided to them by JR 2019 and RWCL.

Pool Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Cancelled Matches
Where a pool Match cannot be commenced on the day in which it is scheduled, it shall not be postponed to the following day, and shall be considered as cancelled. In such situations, the result shall be declared a draw and Teams will be allocated two Match points each and no score registered. For the avoidance of doubt, no bonus points will be awarded.

Abandoned Matches
Where a pool Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it will not be rescheduled to the following day, and will be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half time or at any time during the second half, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half the result shall be declared a draw for Match points purposes, however each Team will keep its score at the time of the abandonment. Any bonus points for scoring four tries secured at the time of the abandonment are also retained by the Teams involved in abandoned pool Matches.

Knock-out Matches

Delayed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be started at the scheduled time, it will be considered delayed. Decisions on the delay of Matches will be taken as early as possible on the Match day and be communicated to Teams by the Match Commissioner.

Postponed Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot be commenced on the scheduled Match day, it will be considered as postponed, and will be re-scheduled to be played within the two days following the scheduled Match day, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Abandoned Matches
Where a knock-out Match is stopped following commencement, and cannot be completed the same day, it shall be considered as abandoned.

In such situations, the following procedures shall apply:

>Where a Match has to be abandoned either at half-time or at any time during the second half or any additional periods of play, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be considered as final and used to determine the result of the Match.If the above result is a tie, then the winner will be determined by reference to the following sequential criteria:
-The Team which scored most tries in that particular Match.
-The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
-The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
-Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the winner shall be the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).
>Where a Match has to be abandoned at any time during the first half, the Match shall be played again in full within the two days following the scheduled Match day at the same Venue, or if required, an alternate Venue as directed by RWCL, for the full time, or such longer period as determined by RWCL.

Cancelled Matches
Where a knock-out Match cannot commence within the two days following the scheduled Match day (or such longer period as specified by RWCL) or is abandoned prior to half-time and cannot be postponed and rescheduled within this period, it shall be considered as cancelled.

In such situations, the following sequential criteria shall apply to determine the winner of the cancelled Match:

>The Team with the most Match points from the pool phase (applicable in quarter-finals and semifinals).
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between points scored for and points scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has the best difference between tries scored for and tries scored against.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most points.
>The Team which in all its Tournament Matches has scored most tries.
>Where all criteria above are not able to determine a winner, the Team that is higher ranked in the official World Rugby World Rankings at the time the Match is scheduled to be played (this criterion will not apply for the Final; in the case that the winner of the Final cannot be determined from the above criteria the two Teams shall be jointly declared winners).

Bump

So with the risk of further matches being cancelled in the knockout stages, games being cancelled in the pool stage could be critical. For example, if the Japan v Scotland game is cancelled and Japan get two points (and top the group), and then a QF v South Africa gets cancelled, Japan go through thanks to the two points they might not have got had they played Scotland and lost

by WELL-PAST-IT Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:40 pm

Are all the indoor stadia in use? It might be a bit weird playing to an empty stadium, but better than not playing at all

by **Rugby Fan** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:44 pm

Anyone over in Japan for the games, specifically the England v France and Japan v Scotland matches this weekend, should be aware they are at risk of cancellation.

World rugby are due to make a statement tomorrow, when they have more certainty on where the typhoon might be heading.

One crucial consideration for everyone will be transport and hotels.

It's possible that the matches will go ahead, but high winds disrupt the bullet trains. If you are down somewhere in west Japan, like Kyoto, intending to travel back at the end of the week, you might want to play it safe, and get to Tokyo or Yokohama early. Otherwise, you could be stranded in the wrong part of the country.

Typhoons can cause chaos for all forms of transport. If you find you can't get to a match, or catch a flight then you might need to stay the night somewhere unexpected. Look into your options now. If hotels are fulll, then one last resort is a 24 hour manga kissaten (comic cafe). They have booths with decent chairs which many use to grab a nap overnight. Some even have showers to freshen up. Look up to see if there are any near you, and keep the details to hand in case it all goes wrong this weekend.

The Ireland game looks like it might be safe but supporters should note that trains or planes back to Tokyo could get cancelled, so you might have to make the best of it in Fukuoka until normal service is resumed.

by **Afro** Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:52 pm

Rugby Fan wrote:

One crucial consideration for everyone will be transport and hotels.

This is probably the overriding consideration. Whether its wet and windy during the game needs to be considered, but the ability to get to the stadium safely for all fans, players and officials has to be the most important. The fact that stadium are indoor is irrelevant in that sense.

by WELL-PAST-IT Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:55 pm

Hence my comment about playing in empty stadiums. If you have to go to the effort of re-arranging due to a typhoon, one assumes there will be no supporters

by BamBam Tue 08 Oct 2019, 2:59 pm

So a England 0 - 0 France result would mean England go through as group winners with France in 2nd place - luckily Argentina are 7 points behind so they can't affect the final standings even with a massive win over USA

Japan v Scotland obviously has huge ramifications for qualification from Group A. Is it only those two games under threat? I have no idea on Japanese geography, but Ireland v Samoa and Wales v Fiji both are pretty significant for the knockouts, draws in any of those three games would be pretty bad outcomes

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