New Zealand coach Steve Hansen shrugged off any concerns about future storms disrupting the tournament, which takes place during Japan’s typhoon season.
New Zealand had their arrival in Japan disrupted by the aftermath of typhoon Faxai, one of the strongest storms to hit eastern Japan in recent years, which struck shortly before dawn on Tuesday.
More than 160 flights were cancelled, causing chaos at both of Tokyo’s major airports.
And New Zealand, England and Australia were all caught up in the post-typhoon disorder.
Australia had to delay their arrival by a whole day, while England were left stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport for five hours.
NZ were more fortunate, managing to get to their hotel after a two-hour delay.
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— All Blacks (@AllBlacks)
Now if a storm washes out a pool match, it won’t be replayed and will be considered a draw with the teams getting two points each.
Hansen, though, is min gespin and says: “They are all things we know about and we have planned for so no more concerns.
“Part of our planning is understanding what we are coming into.
“We are well aware of what we could get.”
Favourites New Zealand come into the tournament looking to make history as the only team to win three consecutive World Cups.