Asked what conditions would make humidity stronger, Augutis said it was very dependant on where the air was coming from.
"Wind travelling over large bodies of water are generally more humid than air moving over big and dry land masses.
"The [Japan] summer weather is often influenced by southerly winds associated with the 'Pacific high', an area of high pressure that forms over the warm and humid Pacific Ocean."
Under the laws of the game, when weather conditions were "exceptionally hot and/or humid", the referee could allow for a water break.
The one-minute break should be taken midway through the half, following a score or when the ball was dead near the halfway line.
During exercise, our bodies heat up and we start sweating. Sweat would then evaporate from the skin which helps us cool off.
All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor throwing a pass. Photo / Mark Mitchell
However, on a hot and humid day, it was harder for sweat to evaporate, making it difficult to cool down, Augutis said.
"Hard physical work in extreme heat and humidity may cause our bodies to overheat and exhaust more easily."
Walking across the pitch at Oita Stadium yesterday, an All Blacks management member told McKendry his shoes were soaked.
"The stadium is covered but the ball will be very wet due to the players' sweat but also the moisture on the pitch caused by the humidity," McKendry said.
"Meanwhile, there are a lot of Kiwis arriving in Beppu, a 12-minute train journey from Oita, and the beer was flowing last night as they refreshed themselves."
