RUGBY WORLD CUP PERMUTATIONS
POOL A
Saturday, Ireland v Samoa – The Irish can’t relax. Lose or draw to the unpredictable Samoans and they’re exposed to being passed by Scotland and missing the quarter-finals. They could also finish top if victorious and the Scots upset hosts Japan, thereby avoiding a likely sudden death showdown with the All Blacks.
Sunday, Japan v Scotland – What shapes as the match of the tournament is in doubt because of Super Typhoon Hagibis. An abandonment would send Japan through as group winners and rile the third-placed Scots no end. It would also be deflating given the pool stage has been building towards this decider for weeks.
POOL B
Saturday, NZ v Italy – The All Blacks look like keeping their all-time perfect record in pool games, putting another disappointing Italian campaign out of its misery. They just need a bonus point to ensure they top the pool.
Sunday, Namibia v Canada – Quite possibly the tournament’s two worst teams square off for a little pride.
POOL C
Saturday, England v France – The match falls in the path of Hagibis and will reportedly be abandoned. That would leave England on top but underdone heading into a quarter-final almost certainly against the Wallabies. France are guaranteed group qualification too but needed to beat the English to avoid facing Wales.
Sunday, USA v Tonga – The Pacific Islanders are narrowly favoured for for a showdown of two winless teams.
POOL D
Friday, Australia v Georgia – All-but guaranteed to finish second in the pool, the match is nevertheless invaluable for a patchy Wallabies chasing an 80-minute performance.
Sunday, Wales v Uruguay – If beaten, Wales would probably lose top spot to Australia. That result is very unlikely.