'Ridiculous': All Blacks rocked by ugly conspiracy theory over cancelled matches

Sergio Parisse believes World Rugby would not have cancelled Italy’s clash with New Zealand if the All Blacks needed a victory to qualify from Pool B.

The reigning champions were set to go up against Italy in their final group game at the Rugby World Cup on Saturday.

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However, with Typhoon Hagibis due to hit Japan, the fixture has been called off.

With each side awarded two points, New Zealand will top the table while Italy finish in third, meaning they miss out on a chance to claim an unlikely win and progress to the quarter-finals.

The All Blacks will now top Pool B. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)

It is a decision Parisse has branded as "ridiculous", insisting the match would have gone ahead had it been vital for their opponents.

"It's difficult to know that we won't have the chance to play a match against one of the great teams," said Parisse in a news conference.

"If New Zealand needed four or five points against us, it would not have been cancelled.

"We had the chance to play in a big stadium against a great team. It's ridiculous that a decision of this nature has been made.

"If Italy and New Zealand decide they don't want to play, then that's fine. But, as I said, if New Zealand needed the points, it wouldn't have been cancelled."


Parisse also questioned the back-up planning by tournament organisers when knowing a World Cup during storm season would always put matches at risk.

"It's ridiculous that there was no plan B because it isn't news that typhoons hit Japan," Parisse added.

"When you organise a World Cup you should have one in place. Sure, everyone might think that Italy v New Zealand being cancelled counts for nothing because we'd have lost anyway, but we deserved to be respected as a team."

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen, in contrast, described the decision as a "no-brainer" when speaking to the media.

"The reality is we can't control the weather," Hansen told a news conference.

"Do we charge on and put lives at risk? Or do we lead and make a decision that's around making sure people are safe? It's a no-brainer."

Sergio Parisse is fuming. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Wallabies calm in face of storm

The Wallabies appreciate the chance to build some momentum heading into the quarter-finals, a prospect that has been denied to likely opponents England by the looming weather bomb in Japan.

Super typhoon Hagibis threw the tournament into chaos on Thursday, forcing organisers to cancel two high-profile pool games scheduled for Saturday on safety grounds.

England against France in Yokohama and New Zealand against Italy in Toyota City became the first games abandoned in the tournament's 32-year history.

There is still the prospect of games on Sunday suffering the same fate, including the Japan-Scotland blockbuster.

Tournament director Alan Gilpin speaks to the media. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Australia face Georgia in Shizuoka on Friday in what should be poor conditions but they'll be sheltered from the worst of the typhoon.

The only hiccup might be tweaking details of their 200km return trip by train to Tokyo on Saturday, when most public transport is expected to shut down.

Match day captain David Pocock said he had barely followed the typhoon updates and couldn't say if Australia or England benefit most from the developments.

"It can work either way. I'm sure both teams will be looking to make the most out of the situations," Pocock said.

"The way that we make the most out of it is by turning up tomorrow and having a really good game ... and hopefully building some momentum."

with AAP