While Ireland are favourites to beat Samoa and advance to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, a typhoon could derail those chances.

Typhoon Hagibis could hit the part of Japan where that final pool game will take place.

And given the current permutations and tournament rules, a call-off would also potentially end Ireland's hopes.

Ex-Ireland and Munster back-row Alan Quinlan explained all when he joined us on OTB AM.

"It could have disastrous ramifications for Ireland," he said.

"Because hypothetically if this game commenced and then was called off in the first-half, it would finish a 0-0 score.

"Both sides would get two points. If Ireland played and got to the second half and were winning, the team that's winning in the second half, that's deemed the score that will stand.

"So if Ireland were playing and leading in the second half or if Samoa were leading in the second half, whoever's leading that would be the result."

Absurd

Quinlan isn't a fan of the set-up of those rules.

"It's absurd," he said.

"So if Ireland's game was called off on Friday due to a storm, it's a draw.

"The credibility of the World Cup would go up in flames if this happens.

"Japan, at the moment, are on 14 points. Ireland are on 11 points and Scotland are on five points.

"So if we take into consideration that Scotland are playing Russia on Wednesday night, they will get the maximum there.

"They would go to 10 points and they play Japan on Sunday. So if Ireland got two points, they'd go to 13 and already Japan on 14.

"And if Scotland were to beat Japan - I know there are a lot of ifs and buts here - Ireland would go out of the World Cup.

"It sounds laughable. But it's a real possibility because this storm is on course to hit  Fukuoka where Ireland play."

You can watch the full chat with Alan Quinlan above via our YouTube channel.