PERFECT STORM
Eddie Jones says ‘Typhoon Gods’ are smiling on England as they escape super storm Hagibis and head to surfer’s paradise Miyazaki
EDDIE JONES believes the "Typhoon Gods" are smiling on England as their game against France was scrapped.
Incoming super storm Hagibis is due to cause chaos and devastation in Tokyo and Yokohama when it hits ground on Saturday.
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So Jones and his England team were scrambling their stuff together on Thursday morning to jet down to Miyazaki on the south West Island of Kyushu to escape danger.
Jones, who has experienced his fair share of typhoons from his own time in the Far East, said: "Someone is smiling on us, the Typhoon Gods maybe?
"We found out officially this morning, but there were rumours flying around last night and we were glued to our phones.
"We are preparing for the game and we were in game mode and when it was off, we are in preparation mode. We can’t control it and we are told what to do."
It's the first time in nine editions of the Rugby World Cup that a game will not be played - and the cancelled matches will now be registered as scoreless draws.
That means England progress as Pool C winners into the quarter-finals and will now almost certainly face Australia.
Jones added: "We excited about the prospect of having great preparation for the quarter-final now.
"We did get some leeway over the next three days and so we are off to Miyazaki for a short pre-season camp and then we are off to Oita. All I am interested in is getting ready for the quarter-final game.
"We have a fairly exceptional record in two-week preparations we are batting at around 95 per cent and so we have to find 5 per cent from somewhere.
"Of course, everyone is disappointed we are not play France and we put a lot of work, emotional, physical and tactical, but we don’t control the situation and World Rugby has made a decision and we have no issue with it and are just getting on with it."
Supporters will be given a full refund for any cancelled games.
Scotland and Japan is an extreme doubt on Sunday and New Zealand versus Italy was also called off.
Jones added: "I have just been walking around the streets and there are a lot of people with disappointed faces.
"It is difficult for them because it was going to be a special occasion and we feel for them and we are lucky to have such great supporters.
"Our players have got this opportunity now to build the tank up and empty it on Saturday week against whoever we are playing. So that's a fantastic opportunity for us.
"I know the fans will be disappointed not seeing our game, but there's been some great rugby at this World Cup and I think that's what we should concentrate on.
"It's not something you can control. This is the situation. I think it's a wonderful World Cup.
"You can't help typhoons, we would all like to think we've got the power above and beyond what's on the world at the moment, but we don't and these things happen and you just ride with it."
Jones took his squad to Miyazaki for a training camp when they landed in Japan last month.
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They were disrupted by seven hours of travel hell on their first day because of another typhoon, but that one was nowhere near as big as the ultimate weather bomb on its way.
Ahead of arriving back into the coastal surfing town of Miyazaki this evening, Jones added: "We love Miyazaki mate, we love Miyazaki beef. We are Miyazaki beef consumers.
"We've got a special consignment. We've got 80kgs come on Saturday night. And Billy Vunipola is allowed his beef again.
"We'll do a bit of light training Friday, have a good hit out Saturday, have some beef Saturday night, a few beers, and get ready for the week ahead."
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