Torn away

Following Tom Hollingworth’s comments on the typhoon blowing the World Cup off its previous assured, well organised, chartered course, I would like add my happ’orth.

As usual in modern sport there is little concern or consideration for the paying fan. There are 10,000 Scottish fans in Tokyo – all of who may be deprived of the game against Japan and see their team and country crash out without even playing.

Neither New Zealand, England and France emerge with much credit and the Japanese organisers have sashimi all over their face.

The All Blacks refused to reschedule their game against Italy as they wanted maximum time for the quarter final which could be against Ireland, Scotland or Japan. In previous World Cups the All Blacks choked and some attributed this to a lack of proper competition till they reached the business end.

England have not impressed as the team – especially Owen Farrell – would benefit from another competitive game to gel.

France say they do not care as qualification is all. No coherent, convincing explanation has been provided by the organising authorities for playing these matches in another city away from the typhoon.

I appreciate you cannot play or watch a game in a typhoon. However, in bidding for the competition, Japan must have had to submit a climate report in support. If Japan qualify without having to play there will be uproar and not just from the Jocks.