the next match of the XV of France under the threat of a typhoon

Time to Reading 2 min.

In Kumamoto, umbrellas have dual use. The days of damsel, they serve to shelter from the sun. Like Saturday morning, during the training of the players of the XV of France. On rainy days, the object then finds its first function. As the next day, Sunday, September 29, early afternoon.

But the droplets are little next to the typhoon ahead. "Strong winds" and "Abundant rains" are already on the southern island of Kyushu. "What could disrupt" the next game of the Blues against the United States, scheduled Wednesday, October 2 (9:45 am French time) in the city of Fukuoka. The Sunday announcement comes from World Rugby, the international federation, with the support of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Pending the publication, tomorrow, of a new bulletin, the match is, for the moment, maintained. For fans "From abroad", the release is reassuring: "While typhoons can vary in power and intensity, this is a common phenomenon in Japan, and most of them have minimal impact on everyday life. "

This Sunday, the Blues seem philosophers. In shorts and windbreakers, ten of them made their appearance in the "fan-zone" of Kumamoto. Passage of one hour in the space which retransmits all the matches of the competition on giant screen; in this case Georgia-Uruguay, organized in Kumagaya, a thousand kilometers away. Optionally, several small workshops: send the ball in the target (not so simple …) or hoist young children (or not so young) in the air to receive a touch.

Bad calculation in case of cancellation

Of course, the Blues have "Seen the two-three items" on "Mitag", the small name of this future typhoon coming from the Philippines. "Like everyone else, we discussed it, really quickly"explains the third line Charles Ollivon, under a transparent umbrella. Who relativizes: "We have seen since our arrival that the weather was very changeable. So, honestly, we do not worry too much. There are still four days before the match. We will see tomorrow what it is. "

The risk is heavy, though. In case of cancellation of match in the first round, no postponement is provided. The rules of the World Cup provide for two points to the two teams concerned. As if they conceded a draw (0-0). A miscalculation for the XV of France, inevitably, against an opponent presumed weaker.

Another important point: if the bad weather leads to interrupt the match after kick-off and if they prevent a recovery the same day, "Said match will not be reprogrammed for the next day and will be considered abandoned". In the event of a match abandoned at half-time or during the second half, the final score will be "When the match was abandoned". In case of match stopped before half-time, "The result will be declared invalid for the count of match points, but each team will keep the score that was his when the match was abandoned".

Ideally, the Blues always aim at five points against the Americans. In other words, a victory with the offensive bonus, synonymous with at least four tries scored. Five points that would be very practical to keep a good distance Argentina, they had dominated (23-21) in the opening match, before facing England in two weeks.

If they want to retain one of the two qualifying places in Group C for the quarter-finals, they will also have to rely on heaven, with or without an umbrella.