Author: ne9ev7qf

 (Written by Azul: April 16, 2024)

On April 6, 2024, I went to Komazawa Park Athletic Field in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo to watch the Japan Rugby League One, Section 12 match between the Black Rams and the Eagles. The game started at 13:00, and although the temperature was 15 degrees Celsius, the spring sunshine made for a warm day to watch the game,

Let’s check the League One Division 1 standings before the game starts. Including this day’s game, there are only 5 games left, and each team is striving to move up as much as possible in the standings.

2023-24	League One Order(Division 1) 4/5
ranking	team	Win	Lose	Even	WP	GD
1	Saitama Wildnights	11	0	0	51	336
2	Tokyo Brave Lupas	10	1	0	46	130
3	Tokyo Sungoliath	8	3	0	39	128
4	Kobe Steelers	7	4	0	34	161
5	Yokohama Eagles	7	4	0	33	43
6	Kubota Spears	5	6	0	26	43
7	Shizuoka Blue Revs	5	6	0	24	42
8	Toyota Verblitz	5	6	0	24	19
9	Sagamihara Dynaboars	5	6	0	22	-104
10	Black Rams Tokyo	2	9	0	13	-108
11	Mie Honda Heat	1	10	0	5	-383
12	Hanazono Riners	0	11	0	2	-307
	WP=Winning Point
	GD=Goal Difference

The bottom three teams in League One (10th~12th) will have to play for a spot in Division 2, and since the Black Rams are currently in 10th place and 9 points behind the 9th place Dynaboars, they need to win at least two of their remaining four games.

On the other hand, today’s opponent, Eagles, is currently in 5th place in Division 1 and is only a few points away from the 4th place position, which is the requirement to advance to the playoffs. They could not afford to drop this match either.

Let me introduce both teams that will play today.

First, let me introduce the home team, RICOH Black Rams.

Founded in 1953, the RICOH Black Rams reached its peak as a club in the 1970s, winning the Japan National Championship twice and the National Working Men’s Tournament three times,

In recent years, the team has fallen out of contention for championships, but as a member of Division 1, they have made their presence felt as a mid-tier team. They have played close games against top teams and have won some of their games by 7 points or less. The team also has national team players from various countries, making it an attractive team.

Today’s starting lineup was as follows

Black Rams
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kazuma NISHI	180cm	108kg	28
2	Hinata TAKEI	171cm	97kg	26
3	Shohei OYAMA	186cm	115kg	25
4	Harrison FOX	198cm	118kg	23
5	Michael Stolberg	202cm	116kg	31
6	Amato Fakatava	195cm	117kg	29	Japan 7caps
7	Brodi McCURRAN	193cm	108kg	29
8	Nathan HUGHES	195cm	126kg	32	England 22caps
9	Shota YAMAMOTO	166cm	74kg	32
10	Kohei Horigome	177cm	88kg	28
11	Netani Vakayalia	181cm	95kg	24	Japan 7th
12	Matt MCGAHAN	185cm	89kg	30
13	Ryohei ISODA	178cm	90kg	27
14	Daisuke NISHIKAWA	184cm	95kg	26
15	Izac Lucas	180cm	85kg	24

** Player to watch **

Nathan HUGHES. 195 cm,126 kg,32 years old. Position = No.8. caps for England = 22. native of Fiji. very rangy back row player who also played 7-man rugby. He played for Fiji, NZ, and England before finally choosing to play for England, where he is the Black Rams’ leading scorer in front of the in-goal.

Now, let us introduce the visiting team, the CANON Eagles.

Founded in 1980, CANON Eagles is a relatively young club compared to Black Rams, and was promoted to the Top League in 2012, but after a long period of stagnation in the middle to lower divisions, they made a breakthrough in 2021 when they brought in the famous coach SAWAKI from Suntory, and last season they reached the playoffs and finished in third place. This season, the team has managed to recover from the injuries of two key players, South African national team SH Faf de Klerk and CTB Jesse Kriel, who were sidelined for an extended period of time at the beginning of the season, and has managed to improve its ranking to the point where it can aim for the playoffs with its existing squad. With only five games remaining, it will be interesting to see how far they can go in the standings.

The starting lineup for this day’s match was as follows

CANON Eagles
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Takato OKABE	180cm	105kg	29
2	Shunta NAKAMURA	176cm	100kg	29	Japan
3	Ryosuke IWAIHARA	184cm	115kg	27
4	Max DOUGLAS	201cm	112kg	23
5	Mathew PHILIP	201cm	117kg	29	Australia 31caps
6	Kobus Van DYK	196cm	108kg	29
7	Naoto Shimada	181cm	99kg	32
8	Amanaki Lelei MAFI	189cm	112kg	33	Japan 29caps
9	Koki ARAI	175cm	80kg	30	Japan
10	Yu Tamura	181cm	92kg	34	Japan 70caps
11	Masayoshi TAKEZAWA	176cm	86kg	28
12	Yusuke KAJIMURA	181cm	95kg	28	Japan 2caps
13	Rohan Janse van RENSBURG	185cm	108kg	29	South Africa 1cap
14	Viliame TAKAYAWA	184cm	103kg	26
15	Jumpei OGURA	172cm	80kg	31	Japan 4cap

** Player to watch **

Amanaki Lelei MAFI. 189 cm, 112 kg, 33 years old. He was rated as the world’s strongest No. 8 by a rugby magazine before the start of RWC2019, and was the leading FW for Japan in both RWC2015 and 2019, Although he was not selected for RWC 2023 due to injury, he is still a powerful breakthrough player. The match of the day will feature a showdown with HUGHES of the Black Rams as the No. 8.

The attendance for the day was 7,454. Toward the end of the season, the number of spectators gradually increased due to the warmer weather.

Now, the match was about to begin.

7 minutes into the first half:

The Eagles advanced deep into enemy territory after the Black Rams committed an infringement in their own territory, from which the Eagles elected to take a penalty kick, The Black Rams were not well-prepared to defend the maul and were easily able to advance, allowing Eagles hooker NAKAMURA to score a try right in the middle of the enemy in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the Eagles scored the first points of the game.

Since this was a match between the 5th-ranked Eagles of League One and the 10th-ranked Black Rams, I thought at this point that it would be a one-sided match for the Eagles as the first score was easily scored.

After the Black Rams scored the first goal, the defenders fought hard, and the sound of their bodies hitting each other during tackles could be heard in the stands. A professional game has to be like this to be interesting.

Black Rams is currently ranked 10, but I am not sure why they are in this position, as they have many attractive professional players such as FL FAKATAVA, a member of the Japan national team, No.8 HUGHES, a former member of the England national team, and FB LUCAS.

The first half also produced some decisive scoring chances, but they did not score.

39 minutes into the first half:

While the Black Rams attacked deep into enemy territory and missed several scoring chances, the Eagles, once they got deep into the enemy territory, continued their attack and went up to the enemy 22-meter line.

The Black Rams again committed an infringement in their own territory, and from there the Eagles went into a scoring pattern that started early in the first half, with a penalty kick, a lineout, and a maul. The scorer was FL SHIMADA.

The conversion goal after the try failed, and the score was 0-12.

The first half ended with this score.

The home team, Black Rams, was hoping to respond to the large crowd and get back on the scoreboard in the second half against the top-ranked Eagles.

At halftime, the mascots of both teams circled the stadium.

In case we were wondering, the Black Rams’ mascot is called RAMUMARU, and the Eagles’ mascot is called KANON Chan.

Now, let the second half begin.

9 minutes into the second half:

The Eagles attempted their third maul attack of the day from their own ball lineout deep in enemy territory. However, the Black Rams were able to respond and stopped the Eagles from advancing in a maul.

However, the Eagles were able to move to the right, and LO  Van DYK forced his way through just under the goal posts to score a try.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 0-19.

18 minutes into the second half:

The Black Rams also advanced to the enemy’s in-goal line and attacked a number of times with a maul, but the Eagles’ defenders were not allowed to keep the ball out of the enemy’s hands just before the Eagles’ goal line. The difference seemed to be in the accuracy of the maul attack rather than the strength of the individual players.

The Black Rams seemed to lose heart as they kept missing great scoring opportunities, and when the Eagles got the ball, prop Harasiri, who came on as a substitute, counter-attacked and gained the ball at once. The ball was then followed up by CTB KAZIMURA, who connected with the ball and scored a try in the left corner of the in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed, but the score was 0-24.

22 minutes into the second half:

The Black Rams started to turn the tide of the game with a series of substitutions of young players. Lock YAMAMOTO and SH MINAMI were the nucleus of the attack, and after a series of attacks they gradually closed in on the enemy in-goal, with SH MINAMI finally scoring a try in the right corner at the goal post.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 7-24.

32 minutes into the second half:

Perhaps inspired by the Black Rams’ counterattack try, the Eagles attacked in rapid succession, WTB TAKAYAWA of the Eagles received the ball at the right end, dragged two Black Rams defenders behind him, and scored a try right in the middle of the enemy in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 7-31 in favor of the Eagles.

36 minutes into the second half:

In the closing minutes of the match, the Black Rams attempted another maul attack from a lineout in front of the enemy in-goal. The maul had been blocked by the Eagles up to this point, but the backs joined the maul and SH MINAMI scored his second try of the day in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed, and the final score of the match was 12-31.

The Black Rams were unable to accumulate any winning points, but the young players who played in the second half of the match were dynamic, and the team was able to reap some rewards for the remainder of the match and for next season.

The Eagles, on the other hand, took a step forward in their quest to advance to the playoffs with a win. The team will now work together as one and give their all in the remaining four games.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

 (Written by Azul: April 5, 2024)

This time, I went to watch a night game for the first time in a while.

The game was held on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 19:00 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The match was between the Kubota Spears, last year’s League One champion, and the Panasonic Wild Knights, the League One champion of the year before last. This matchup between two strong teams was expected to be a heated and exciting game.

The League One standings up to the 10th round are as follows.

2023-24	League One Order(Division 1) 3/22
ranking	team		Win	Lose	Even	WP	GD
1	Saitama Wildnights		10	0	0	46	303
2	Tokyo Brave Lupas		9	1	0	42	123
3	Tokyo Sungoliath		8	2	0	38	130
4	Kobe Steelers		6	4	0	29	118
5	Yokohama Eagles		6	4	0	29	41
6	Kubota Spears		5	5	0	26	76
7	Toyota Verblitz		5	5	0	24	35
8	Shizuoka Blue Revs		4	6	0	20	26
9	Sagamihara Dynaboars		4	6	0	18	-109
10	Black Rams Tokyo		2	8	0	12	-108
11	Mie Honda Heat		1	9	0	4	-378
12	Hanazono Riners		0	10	0	2	-264
WP=Winning Point
GD=Goal Difference

It had been a while since I had seen a night game, but since it was still March, it was a little cold, but many office workers were watching the game on their way home from work. The total number of spectators on that day was 9,491.

As for the two teams playing this day, the Wild Knights are in first place and are the only team to have won all of their games. Spears, on the other hand, is currently in sixth place and needs to close the gap to five points to qualify for the playoffs. With six games remaining, the Spears should be able to close the gap between themselves and the top 4 teams.

Let me introduce the two teams that will be playing on this day.

First, an update on the host team for the day, the Kubota Spears.

Last season, they won the League One championship for the first time, and this season, they are aiming for back-to-back championships. However, they have struggled quite a bit so far, with 5 wins and 5 losses for a winning percentage of 50%. The main reason for this is that they are missing hooker Marcolm MARX due to injury. He is considered the best hooker in the world and was the nucleus of Spears’ FW, so the team’s set plays have become unstable. In addition, the team’s commanding presence, former Australian SO Bernard FOLEY, also left the team early this season with an injury, contributing to the team’s struggles. However, for the Spears’ reserve players, this is a chance for them to play in the game, and we hope that they will be able to improve their player lineup.

The starting lineup for the day was as follows

KUBOTA SPEARS
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kota KAISHI	172cm	102kg	29
2	Dane COLES	184cm	110kg	36	New Zealand 90 cap
3	Kengo KITAGAWA	178cm	110kg	31	Japan　3cap
4	Uwe HELU	193cm	120kg	33	Japan　18cap
5	David BULBRING	199cm	113kg	34
6	Finau TUPA	190cm	115kg	34
7	Peter L. LABUSCHAGNE	189cm	106kg	34	Japan　19cap
8	Takeo SUENAGA	178cm	98kg	29
9	Shinobu FUJIWARA	171cm	76kg	25
10	Tomoki KISHIOKA	178cm	85kg	26
11	Hiroyuki YAMASAKI	174cm	85kg	25
12	Harumichi TATEKAWA	180cm	93kg	34	Japan　56cap
13	Rikus PRETORIUS	193cm	104kg	25
14	Koga Nezuka	173cm	82kg	25	Japan　1cap
15	Yuhei SHIMADA	183cm	87kg	25

** Player to watch **

Tomoki KISHIOKA. 178cm, 85kg, 26 years old. He is a graduate of Waseda University. He joined the Spears with high expectations after winning the University Championship in his university days, and started playing in games in his first year, but then FOLEY, the SO of the Australian national team, became a regular player, and he gradually started to play less and less. This season, after FOLEY was injured, he became a starter and took over the Spears’ commanding position. Every time he appears in a game, he wows the audience with his dynamic play, using the ground widely as he is known for. He hopes to make this season a breakthrough year.

Next, I would like to introduce the Visitor Team, Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.

They became the only team in League One to win all of their matches in Section 9 against Brave Lupas, and took a step forward toward winning the championship this season. The regular members of the team boast a depth of players that could be called a world-class team, and with the return of Japanese flanker Ben GUNTER and WTB player TAKEYAMA from injury, the team is now well-positioned to win this season’s League One championship.

This day’s starting lineup was as follows

Panasonic Wild Nights
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Craig Miller	186cm	116kg	33	Japan 17cap
2	Atsushi Sakade	180cm	104kg	30	Japan 41cap
3	Asaeli Ai VALU	187cm	115kg	34	Japan 30cap
4	Liam Mitchell	197cm	117kg	28
5	Lood De JAGER	206cm	127kg	30	Soth Africa 65cap
6	Ben GUNTER	195cm	120kg	26	Japan 8cap
7	Lachlan BOSHIER	191cm	110kg	29
8	Jack CORNELSEN	195cm	110kg	29	Japan 20cap
9	Taiki Koyama	171cm	74kg	29	Japan
10	Rikiya Matsuda	181cm	92kg	29	Japan 37cap
11	Koki TAKEYAMA	175cm	87kg	27	Japan 1cap
12	Damian De ALLENDE	190cm	105kg	32	Soth Africa 78cap
13	Dylan RILEY	187cm	102kg	26	Japan 18cap
14	Tomoki OSADA	179cm	90kg	24	Japan 7cap
15	Takuya YAMASAWA	176cm	84kg	29	Japan 6cap

** Player to watch **

Koki TAKEYAMA is 175cm, 87kg, 27 years old. He is a graduate of Teikyo University. He missed the first half of this season due to injury, but finally returned to the team mid-season. As a utility player, he can play any position in the BK, but he has a wide vision of the entire ground and always reads the flow of the game. His ability to appear at the right moment to score a try makes him a genuine scorer.

Let’s start the first half.

4 minutes into the first half:

Early in the game, Spears had a PG opportunity due to a foul by their opponents in enemy territory. FB SHIMADA scored the first goal for Spears. The score was 3-0.

14 minutes into the first half:

The Wild Knights attacked in enemy territory, and first WTB TAKEYAMA broke through on the left touchline and advanced about 20 meters, where TAKEYAMA was held up by the Spears defense, but the WildKnights then moved to the right and the ball was passed to CTB De ALLENDE, who broke through the enemy line and scored a try right under the goal post in the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 3-7 in favor of the Wild Knights.

20 minutes into the first half:

The Wild Knights entered the enemy territory and attacked in succession, gradually moving forward and passing the ball to WTB TAKEYAMA on the left flank, who cut through the opposing defenders in the narrow space on the left flank, and scored a try in the left corner of the enemy in-goal. TAKEYAMA showed that his try-scoring instinct has not diminished in spite of his long absence this season.

The conversion attempt after the try failed, and the score was 3-12.

29 minutes into the first half:

Wild Knights again dominated the ball, and from a lineout deep on the left side of the opposition line, they mauled their way forward. The Wild Knights’ SH KOYAMA ran through the dense side of the maul and scored a try in the left center of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 3-19.

38 minutes into the first half:

SO MATSUDA kicked a short punt, which was caught directly by CTB RILEY, and he brought it right under the goal post in the enemy’s in-goal for a try.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 3-26. The first half ended with this score, and Wild Knights took a 23-point lead.

Spears should have come into this match looking for a must-win, but they were unable to make any headway against the Wild Knights’ defensive formation. On the contrary, when Wild Knights deployed a series of attacks, they exploited holes in their opponents’ defenses at key points to make progress.

This game was the same matchup as last season’s final, so we expected Spears to rally in the second half.

Let’s get the second half underway.

3 minutes into the second half:

It was again the Wild Knights who scored early in the second half.

They kicked into the enemy territory, and SH KOYAMA quickly re-gained the ball as it rolled over, and then ran to the left, where FB YAMASAWA ran in to create a numerical advantage, where Yamasawa quickly cut in and scored a try in the middle left of the enemy in-goal. During this time, the Spears were unable to set up their defense and easily allowed the score to stand.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 3-33.

14 minutes into the second half:

The Wild Knights gained control of the ball as the game wore on, leaving Spears on the defensive. They then attacked deep into enemy territory and had a PG opportunity from a foul on their opponents. The Spears were already up by 30 points, but a penalty shot made it 3-36. This penalty shot demoralized the opposing team.

19 minutes into the second half:

Spears finally had an opportunity to score at this time. After a deep penetration into the enemy territory, the Spears secured the ball from a lineout on their own and mauled their way forward, matching Spears’ absolute scoring pattern, only to have the ball taken back by the Wild Knights.

From there, Wild Knights secured the ball from their own lineout from their own 22m line, and FL BOSHIER ran deep into the enemy territory, overcoming their defense. The ball was finally passed to CTB RILEY, who followed up and scored a try right under the goalposts.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 3-43.

24 minutes into the second half:

At this time of the game, Spears made some player changes and introduced some young players. Thanks to their efforts, the FWs fought well in a tight battle and created chances in front of the enemy goal. The team formed a maul in front of the in-goal on the right edge of the enemy line and went close to the in-goal, from which they moved to the left and SO KISHIOKA kicked a pass. WTB Yamasaki caught the ball and Spears scored their first try of this match.

The conversion goal after the try failed, but the score was 8-43.

31 minutes into the second half:

Toward the end of the match, Spears finally dazzled the crowd with their attacking play.

31 minutes into the second half:

In the final minutes of the match, the Spears finally dazzled the crowd with their attack as they formed a maul near the 10-meter line on the left edge of the enemy line. From there, hooker ERA became the center of a maul that quickly advanced more than 10 meters and scored a try to the left of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 15-43.

34 minutes into the second half:

Spears scored back-to-back tries, but the Wild Knights showed their strength here.

The Wild Knights moved forward, controlling the ball in a tight battle, and when the enemy day defense broke down slightly, substitute SO Kyohei Yamasawa exploited the hole and broke through behind the opposing defense, scoring a try right in the middle of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 15-50.

36 minutes into the second half:

The Wild Knights started from their own territory, and after a series of big gains, they moved into the enemy territory, where the Yamasawa brothers, SO and FB, exchanged passes in perfect coordination. FB Takuya Yamasawa scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

The try was scored by FB Takuya Yamasawa in the right corner of the in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed and the score was 15-55.

42 minutes into the second half:

In the closing minutes of the match, Spears made a last gasp attack on the enemy’s in-goal and the ball spilled into the in-goal and was held up by replacement FL MOARA.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the final score was 22-55.

This was a rematch of last season’s final, but in terms of content, the Wild Knights won handily, and the Spears will be looking for revenge by finishing in the top four and qualifying for the playoffs. There is still more than a month left until the end of the season.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

 (Written by Azul: March 26, 2024)

For the Japan Rugby League One’s 9th match, I went to Kumagaya Rugby Stadium in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, on March 9. This is the second time this season that I have been to this stadium. This time, the matchup was a battle for the top spot between the Wild Knights, who are in first place in League One, and Brave Lupas, who are in second place. Both teams were undefeated so far going into this matchup.

I walked from Kumagaya station to the stadium with many supporters wearing red jerseys, the team color of Brave Lupas.

The temperature was a little low, but the weather was fine and it was a perfect day to watch the rugby match.

This week, LEAGUE ONE reached the ninth round, and each team has only eight games left to play. Let’s check out the standings so far.

2023-24	League One Order(Division 1) 3/8
ranking	team	Win	Lose	Even	WP	GD
1	Saitama Wildnights	8	0	0	38	281
2	Tokyo Brave Lupas	8	0	0	37	113
3	Tokyo Sungoliath	6	2	0	29	109
4	Kobe Steelers	5	3	0	24	99
5	Yokohama Eagles	5	3	0	23	27
6	Kubota Spears	4	4	0	21	77
7	Toyota Verblitz	4	4	0	19	32
8	Sagamihara Dynaboars	4	4	0	18	-58
9	Shizuoka Blue Revs	3	5	0	16	36
10	Black Rams Tokyo	1	7	0	7	-104
11	Hanazono Riners	0	8	0	1	-243
12	Mie Honda Heat	0	8	0	0	-369
	WP=Winning Point
	GD=Goal Difference

The top four teams advance to the playoffs, but with only five points separating them from fourth to seventh place, the standings change every week. For these four teams, they cannot afford to lose any of their games.

And the game on this day will be a clash of the pride of both teams, who absolutely cannot afford to lose.

Let me introduce the two teams that will face each other.

First, let’s take a look at the provisional leader, the Saitama Wild Knights.

Wild Knights’ traditional style of play is to defend hard and attack fast, and they are ranked first in the league every year in terms of fewest goals conceded, and this season, they are also ranked first in the league in points scored. The Wild Knights lost in the finals of the playoffs last season and ended up as the runner-up. The matchups after the next round are as follows

3/16 vs. Kobe Steelers (4th place)

3/22 VS Kubota Spears (6th place)

4/6 VS Sagamihara Dynaboars (8th)

4/12 VS Black Rams Tokyo (10th place)

4/20 VS Toyota Verblitz (7th place)

4/27 VS Hanazono Kintetsu Riners (12th place)

5/4 VS Yokohama Canon Eagles (5th)

Even though the Wild Knights are in first place, a back-to-back loss would put them out of the playoffs. The Wild Knights have won many close games so far, so they will need to be more determined and win one game at a time in the games to come.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows

Panasonic Wild Nights
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Craig Miller	186cm	116kg	33	Japan 17cap
2	Atsushi Sakade	180cm	104kg	30	Japan 41cap
3	Taiki Fujii	183cm	114kg	25
4	Liam Mitchell	197cm	117kg	28
5	Lood De JAGER	206cm	127kg	30	Soth Africa 65cap
6	Ryota HASEGAWA	188cm	100kg	30	Japan
7	Lachlan BOSHIER	191cm	110kg	29
8	Jack CORNELSEN	195cm	110kg	29	Japan 20cap
9	Taiki Koyama	171cm	74kg	29	Japan
10	Rikiya Matsuda	181cm	92kg	29	Japan 37cap
11	Tatsuhiro TANJI	184cm	91kg	27
12	Damian De ALLENDE	190cm	105kg	32	Soth Africa 78cap
13	Dylan RILEY	187cm	102kg	26	Japan 18cap
14	Tomoki OSADA	179cm	90kg	24	Japan 7cap
15	Kyohei YAMASAWA	176cm	84kg	25

＊＊Player to watch **

Kyohei YAMASAWA. 176cm, 84kg, 25 years old. Position = FB, SO. He plays with his brother Takuya in the Wild Knights, and they also play the same position. Since his days at Meiji University, he has been a driving force in student rugby and has shown great promise for the future. With his solid tactical eye in the game and his ability to break through against the opposition, he is becoming a regular member of the Wild Knights.

Next, I would like to introduce Tokyo Brave Lupas, the visitor team of the day.

As of 3/8, Brave Lupas is ranked 2nd in LEAGUE ONE. The team’s style of play is based on the strength of contact play, especially by the FW players. The team’s goal is to always be dominant in set plays and in the battle for the ball at breakdowns during matches. This season, they have further developed their strength in continuous attacks with SO MOUNGA at the center, using the ground wide when they attack in the BK.

The remaining matches of this season are as follows.

3/17 VS SAGAMIHARA Dynaboars(8th place)

3/24 VS Black Rams Tokyo (10th place)

4/7 VS Kubota Spears(6th)

4/14 VS KOBE Steelers (4th place)

4/21 VS Mie HONDA Heat (12th place)

4/27 VS Tokyo Sungoliath (2nd place)

5/5 VS Shizuoka Blue Revs (9^th place)

Brave Lupas’ goal this season is to win the championship for the first time since the 2009-2010 season. In order to win the championship, they will have to beat the No. 1 ranked Wild Knights, so what will happen today?

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

TOSHIBA Brave Lupas
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Teruo Makabe	172cm	110kg	27
2	Mamoru HARADA	175cm	101kg	24
3	Yuta KOKAJI	176cm	109kg	25
4	Warner Dearns	202cm	123kg	21	Japan 11caps
5	Samuera ANISE	198cm	118kg	37	Japan 12caps
6	Shohei ITO	190cm	105kg	26
7	Yoshitaka TOKUNAGA	185cm	100kg	31	Japan 15caps
8	Shannon FRIZELL	195cm	114kg	29	New Zealand  33caps
9	Yuhei Sugiyama	169cm	76kg	26
10	Richie　MO’UNGA	176cm	83kg	29	New Zealand  44caps
11	Yuto MORI	174cm	82kg	25
12	Michael COLLINS	187cm	94kg	30
13	Seta TAMANIVALU	189cm	104kg	32	NZ3cap,Fiji 3cap
14	Atsuki KUWAYAMA	184cm	90kg	26
15	Takuro MATSUNAGA	172cm	82kg	25

＊＊　Player to watch ＊＊.

Atski KUWAYAMA is 26 years old, 183 cm, 92 kg. He is the younger brother of the KUWAYAMA brothers, who play as siblings in Brave Lupas. He has become a regular player. He has the decisive power to score the necessary points as a WTB, and we hope he will win the League One Try King title.

Let’s get the first half underway.

1st minute of the first half:

SO MOUNGA of Brave Lupas kicked off to start the game. It was quite windy on the day of the match, and Wild Knights were downwind in the first half. Wild Knights’ SO MATSUDA was aware of the strong wind and kicked the ball with a low trajectory. Mounga, using passing dummies and clever feints, got behind the Wild Knights’ defense and ran into the middle of the enemy in-goal on the left side for the first try. The crowd cheered loudly for this big play.

And SO MOUNGA of Brave Lupas scored the conversion goal himself to make the score 0-7.

7 minutes into the first half:

Brave Lupas did well to hold them off, but the Wild Knights moved up to the goal posts, where FL BOSHIER scored a try to the left of the posts.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful and the score was tied 7-7.

14 minutes into the first half:

Wild Knights had several chances to attack deep into the enemy territory, but the strong defense in front of the goal by Brave Lupas’ FW made it difficult for them to make an in-goal attempt. Hence, on several opponents’ penalties, they opted for a PG, which was scored by SO MATSUDA to make the score 10-7.

18 minutes into the first half:

Both teams had strong defense in front of the goal, and it was difficult to score a try. Brave Lupas pushed deep into enemy territory and drew a foul on their opponents, where SO MOUNGA converted a PG. The score was tied 10-10.

The Wild Knights showed their skill in the game and drew their opponents into foul play, scoring three PGs in the 23rd, 28th, and 31st minutes of the first half to make the score 19-10.

The first half ended with Wild Knights leading by 9 points.

The defense in front of the goal by both teams was strong, and there were few opportunities for tries. However, Wild Knights took advantage of a tight battle after entering enemy territory and created many PG opportunities, which SO MATSUDA converted to give them the lead at the end of the first half. As usual, Wild Knights played a solid game, but can Brave Lupas turn the tide in the second half?

Let’s get the second half underway.

5 minutes into the second half:

It was Wild Knights who scored first in the second half.

After the kickoff, the Wild Knights advanced deep into enemy territory, and from there, with a rush by their FW and CTB De ALLENDE, they closed in on the enemy in-goal. From there, SH KOYAMA passed the ball to WTB OSADA on the right side of the field, and finally OSADA scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed, making the score 24-10.

10 minutes into the second half:

SO MATSUDA rolled the ball over and SO MOUNGA of Brave Lupas missed the catch and the ball rolled into the in-goal.　FB Yamasawa of the Wild Knights held up the ball and scored a try.

The conversion goal after the try was missed.

26 minutes into the second half:

Brave Lupas’ FW switched on at this time, and their powerful FW players made a series of frontal breakthroughs to advance the ball forward. With 5 meters to the goalposts, Brave Lupas lock Deans burst past two defenders and scored a try right under the posts.

The conversion goal was also successful, making the score 29-17.

30 minutes into the second half:

Brave Lupas’ FWs used their strengths to make continuous head-on contact, breaking down the enemy defenders and making progress, and when the enemy in-goal was close, Brave Lupas made further progress, moving off to the right, and finally prop LATU, who came on as a substitute, scored a try in the enemy’s in-goal, in the left center of the field.

Brave Lupas scored back-to-back tries in the second half to finally pull within five points of the Wild Knights.

39 minutes into the second half:

With only a few minutes left in the second half, the Wild Knights looked to be in a position to win the game, and they launched a wave attack in the enemy territory, mainly through their front line. The Wild Knights worked as a team to make progress in a tight battle, and came close to the enemy’s in-goal. The Wild Knights came out of the densely-packed battle to the right, and when the ball was passed to substitute lock ABOTT, he dove just under the goal posts in the enemy in-goal where the defense was thinning to score a try.

The try, scored with less than a minute remaining, sealed the victory for the Wild Knights. The game ended when the Wild Knights used up all the remaining time to score the conversion goal.

The final score was 36-24.

This was the ninth straight win for the Wild Knights, who are now undefeated this season. They are in second place after their first loss to Brave Lupas. With seven games remaining in the season, who will be able to stop the Wild Knights’ winning streak?

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

 (Written by Azul: March 14, 2024)

On February 17, 2024, the seventh round of LEAGUE ONE was played between Panasonic Wild Knights (2nd last season) and Suntory Sungoliath (4th last season).

So far this season, the Wild Knights are in first place with a 6-0 record, while Sungoliath is in third place with a 5-1 record. The match was a topsy-turvy matchup that Japanese rugby fans were eagerly awaiting.

The venue for this match was Kumagaya Rugby Ground, the home ground of Wild Knights. It took three hours one way to go out from my home (Hachioji City, Tokyo).

The number of spectators who came to watch the match that day was 12,030.

It was indeed a good matchup of top-ranked teams. Kumagaya Rugby Ground has a very different atmosphere from Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground.

Since it is the home ground of the Wild Knights, an estimated 80% of the spectators on this day were Wild Knights fans, but there were also some avid Sungoliath fans in attendance.

League One’s games this season have been more and more closely contested, and each venue has become more and more exciting. One of the reasons for this may be that the world stars of the RWC 2023 in France can be seen in person at each of the Japanese venues. Last season, the average attendance was less than 5,000, partly due to the impact of the new corona outbreak, but this season, the number of spectators has been over 10,000 at many matches. I hope that the number of rugby fans will continue to increase in Japan.

Now, let me give you an update on the two teams that will be playing this time.

First, let me introduce the home team, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights.

They won the Top League in the 2020-2021 season and the League One championship in the 2021-2022 season. Last season, they were runners-up in League One, and this season, they have won six straight games and are in first place in League One. In addition, they were the only Japanese team to win against a top Super Rugby team at the recently held The Cross Border Rugby. In both name and reality, they are the strongest rugby team in Japan. Their style of play is solid defense and quick attack. It will be interesting to see if they can extend their winning streak against a strong Sungoliath team.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

Panasonic Wild Nights
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Craig Miller	186cm	116kg	33	Japan 17cap
2	Atsushi Sakade	180cm	104kg	30	Japan 41cap
3	Taiki Fujii	183cm	114kg	25
4	Mark ABBOTT	197cm	112kg	33
5	Lood De JAGER	206cm	127kg	30	Soth Africa 65cap
6	Shota FUKUI	186cm	101kg	24	Japan 3cap
7	Lachlan BOSHIER	191cm	110kg	29
8	Jack CORNELSEN	195cm	110kg	29	Japan 20cap
9	Taiki Koyama	171cm	74kg	29	Japan
10	Rikiya Matsuda	181cm	92kg	29	Japan 37cap
11	Marika KOROIBETE	182cm	96kg	31	Australia 59cap
12	Damian De ALLENDE	190cm	105kg	32	Soth Africa 78cap
13	Dylan RILEY	187cm	102kg	26	Japan 18cap
14	Tomoki OSADA	179cm	90kg	24	Japan 7cap
15	Ryuji Noguchi	177cm	83kg	28	Japan 14cap

** Player to watch **

Lood De JAGER. 206 cm, 127 kg, 30 years old. Position = lock. South Africa cap=65. He was a key player in the South African national team, the strongest team in the world today, and competed in consecutive RWC 2015 and 2019.At RWC 2023, he was left out of the South African national team due to poor condition just before the tournament. However, by the start of League One, he had recovered and was named in the starting lineup. He played an outstanding role in the recent Cross Border Rugby match against the Chiefs, and as a key player for the Wild Knights, he will be a player to keep an eye on in this match.

Next, let us introduce the visiting team, Suntory Sungoliath.

Suntory Sungoliath is a rival team that competes with Wild Knights for the championship almost every season, winning the championship four times in the Top League and boasting the No. 1 player depth in Japan. Even Japanese national team players have difficulty becoming regular members of Sungoliath. In the recent Cross Border Rugby, they suffered a heavy defeat against the Blues of Super Rugby. It was a disappointing result for the team representing Japan, but Sungoliath fans are hoping that the team will be able to show what they have learned from that loss in today’s match.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows

Suntory Sungoliath
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Yukio MORIKAWA	180cm	113kg	30	Japan　2cap
2	Kosuke Horikoshi	175cm	100kg	28	Japan　7cap
3	Shinnosuke Kakinaga	180cm	115kg	31	Japan　12cap
4	Sam JEFFRIES	198cm	114kg	30
5	Harry HOCKINGS	206cm	118kg	25
6	Kanji Shimokawa	188cm	105kg	24	Japan　5cap
7	Sota OKETANI	175cm	98kg	29
8	Hendrik Tui	188m	110kg	35	Japan　47cap
9	Yutaka Nagare	165cm	75kg	31	Japan　36cap
10	Mikiya Takamoto	171cm	80kg	22
11	Shota EMI	183cm	95kg	32
12	Ryoto Nakamura	181cm	92kg	32	Japan　39cap
13	Taiga OZAKI	184cm	93kg	25
14	Seiya Ozaki	175cm	85kg	28	Japan　4cap
15	Cheslin Kolbe	172cm	80kg	30	South Africa 31cap

** Player to watch **

Cheslin Kolbe. 172 cm, 80 kg, 30 years old. Position = FB; South African Cap = 31. The biggest star of the players who joined League One this season. He has been playing a central role in the team since the start of the season, and is a very talented player. 172cm in length and a regular member of the South African team, where many of the players are over 2m tall, he is a small man, but he is not a mere specimen. He is truly a “small giant. He is winning the hearts of Japanese fans with his steady technique on the ball, his precise decision making as a FB, and his spirit of never giving up in the game. We will be watching to see how he performs on this day.

Now, let the match begin.

Before the game started, many people in the stadium were saying that Wild Knights would win by a large margin against Sungoliath. Kumagaya is the home ground of Wild Knights, so it is only natural that the local fans are very fond of Wild Knights. It is only natural that local fans would think so.

However, you never know until actually the game finished.

4 minutes into the first half:

Wild Knights caught the ball off the kickoff and made some solid advances into Sungoliath territory. Wild Knights’ flanker BOSHIER held up the ball and drew a not-release-the-ball infringement.　The SO MATSUDA made a steady effort to score the first penalty goal. The score was 3-0.

9 minutes into the first half:

Sungoliath got into the opponent’s territory, and with a series of attacks, which is one of the team’s strong points, they moved forward. From the center of the opposition territory, Sungoliath first moved to the left, and then on the left flank, approached the opposition’s in-goal. There, they were caught by the Wild Knights’ defenders, but from there, the team made a big move to the right and passed from FB to No.8, CTB, and finally to WTB OZAKI, who scored a try in the right corner of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 3-7, Sungoliath was back in front.

11 minutes into the first half:

The Wild Knights connected with the ball from their own line and gradually moved forward into enemy territory, where they had a tight battle, and inside CTB De ALLENDE received the ball and moved forward, outside CTB RILEY advanced into the enemy’s in-goal and scored a try in the middle of the left field. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 10-7, Wild Knights were back on top.

25 minutes into the first half:

The first half started out with a scoring rush by both teams, but during this period, both sides continued to create opportunities that did not lead to scores.

However, as the Wild Knights pushed deep into enemy territory, Sungoliath committed an uncharacteristic foul. Then SO MATSUDA of Wild Knights scored by PG to make the score 13-7.

32 minutes into the first half:

After a mistake by the Wild Knights, Sungoliath won the ball and attempted a series of attacks. The ball was connected well and deep into enemy territory, the Wild Knights were fouled over the top in a tight pack, giving Sungoliath the opportunity to go for the PG. Sungoliath’s SO TAKAMOTO made steady progress on the PG, making the score 13-10.

The first half ended with the score at this point. The teams played to their strengths, and the score remained close heading into the second half.

Let the second half begin.

5 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath’s regular SO this season is TAKAMOTO from Teikyo University, who is expected to be the commanding force of Japan’s national team for RWC2027, and this was his first match against MATSUDA, the current SO of Japan.

Sungoliath attacked in the enemy territory early in the second half, and after a series of attacks on the enemy in-goal, TAKAMOTO took his opponents by surprise and scored a DG.

The score was now tied 13-13.

6 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath, buoyed by their first goal of the second half, got on the board with a counter attack from their own half, and SO TAKAMOTO exploited a hole in the opponent’s defense to run all the way to the enemy midfield. Sungoliath then launched a series of brilliant attacks, culminating in CTB NAKAMURA’s try at the left corner of the enemy goal post. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 13-20, and Sungoliath finally succeeded in turning the tide.

18 minutes into the second half:

The Wild Knights, who always attack in the second half of every game, showed their class in this game as well, as they counter-attacked from their own territory and WTB OSADA carried the ball deep into the enemy territory past defense after defense. There, the Wild Knights connected with a pass from the left corner to the right corner, where FB NOGUCHI ran to the right corner and scored a try in the right corner of the enemy in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed, and the score was 18-20.

21 minutes into the second half:

The match was a close contest with both sides showing their strengths. After a brief stalemate, Wild Knights drew an infringement from Sungoliath deep into enemy territory, giving them a PG opportunity. Wild Knights’ SO MATSUDA scored to make the score 21-20, and the Wild Knights were back on top.

41 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath had a chance to go deep into enemy territory and won the lineout, but made a costly mistake when they lost the ball to their opponents.　The Wild Knights made the most of this opportunity and attacked deep into enemy territory. The Wild Knights, who are very good at their game, took their time and attacked, and with time running out, they forced their opponents into a foul and had a chance to score a PG.

Wild Knights’ SO MATSUDA finally succeeded in scoring a PG, and the game was over at that point.

The game was close, but the top-ranked Wild Knights kept their lead and extended their winning streak.

Sungoliath also showed that they have the potential to make a splash in the playoffs if they play like they did this day. We look forward to the next round.

＊＊　Jersey　Collection　７５　＊＊

RWC2023 commemorative jersey. Made by Macron. During the RWC2023, the price was over 20,000 yen, but after the tournament ended, the price dropped to half, so I purchased it. I bought this jersey on the Internet after returning to Japan as a commemorative jersey for my visit to France. This was my first purchase of a Makron product. Macron jerseys are becoming popular in Europe, but they are not so common in Japan yet. The design is my favorite, so I will be happy if it becomes popular in the future.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

Spears vs Chiefs

 (Written by Azul: March 3, 2024)

On February 10, 2024, I went to the Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Minato-ku, Tokyo to watch the final match of The Cross Border Rugby, an exchange match between Super Rugby from the southern hemisphere and League One from Japan.

Since the game was played in February when the temperature was low, I went to the sunny north stand as I did last week.

The Cross Border Rugby event consisted of four matches in total. The results of the matches so far were as follows

Feb. 3rd : Sungoliath vs Blues: 7-43

Feb. 4 th : Wild Knights vs Chiefs :38-14

Feb. 17th : Eagles vs Blues :22-57 

The Super Rugby side won two games and the League One side won one.

When I saw the first game against Blues, it looked like League One might lose the whole match, but Wild Knights showed their mettle. This opens up the possibility of holding another exchange match next year.

Now, for the final match, the hosts are the Spears, who finished first in League One last season, and their opponent is the Chiefs, who finished second in Super Rugby last season.

The photo above shows a supporter of the Japanese team in the bleachers. Probably, he was a supporter of Sun Wolves when Japan used to participate in Super Rugby.

The attendance on that day was 9,439. The turnout was not bad, but we hope both teams will show us a match worth watching.

Let me introduce the two teams for the final match.

First, let me introduce the host team, KUBOTA Spears.

Founded in 1978. KUBOTA Spears won the League One championship of Japan Rugby for the first time last season, and they have a strong FW who is as strong as any foreign team, and they have produced many Japanese national team players in BK. They are a team that can compete head-to-head with the Super Rugby teams. We hope that they will aim for victory in today’s match.

This day’s starting lineup was as follows.

KUBOTA SPEARS
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kota KAISHI	172cm	102kg	29
2	Schalk ERASMUS	184cm	109kg	25
3	Shoya MATSUNAMI	186cm	110kg	31
4	JD SCHICKERING	203cm	121kg	28
5	Ruan BOTHA	205cm	120kg	32
6	Finau TUPA	190cm	115kg	34
7	Takeo SUENAGA	178cm	98kg	29
8	Faulua Makisi	187cm	112kg	27	Japan　5cap
9	Shinobu FUJIWARA	171cm	76kg	25
10	Tomoki KISHIOKA	178cm	85kg	26
11	Suryung KIM	186cm	90kg	26
12	Rikus PRETORIUS	193cm	104kg	25
13	Haratoa VAILEA	187cm	105kg	24
14	Koga Nezuka	173cm	82kg	25	Japan　1cap
15	Liam WILLIAMS	188cm	85kg	33	Wales　95cap

** Player to watch **

Liam Williams. 188 cm, 85 kg, 33 years old. He is one of the best FB in the world and was the unbeatable FB for Wales in the RWC2023. As a FB, he is expected to play a decisive role in the attack as well as playing defense at the back end of the team. What will he do in today’s match?

Next, I would like to introduce the visiting team, the Gallagher Chiefs.

Founded in 1996, the team is based in Waikato, NZ. They were two-time Super Rugby champions. Last season, they were the runners-up in the Super Rugby. The All Blacks players were restricted from participating in this Japan tour due to their contract with the NZ Association, and the team was made up mainly of young players, but they lost to the Wild Knights in their first match of the exchange match. The Chiefs were expected to make a comeback and win the match on this day. For today’s game, All Blacks regular CTB Anton LIENERT-BROWN has been used as a starter and game captain.

Today’s starting lineup was as follows.

Gallagher Chiefs
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Jared PROFFIT	186cm	113kg	30
2	Bradley SLATER	186cm	110kg	25
3	Reuben O”NIELL	183cm	117kg	28
4	Manaaki SELBY-RICKIT	200cm	112kg	27
5	Naitoa AHKUOI	196cm	116kg	24
6	Wallace SITITI	188cm	108kg	21
7	Tom FLORENCE	190cm	108kg	25
8	Simon PALKER	197m	117kg	23
9	Cortez RATIMA	179m	87kg	22
10	Josh IOANE	180cm	85kg	28	NZ 1cap
11	Peniasi MALIMALI	180cm	96kg	27
12	Quinn TUPAEA	186cm	102kg	24	NZ 14cap
13	Anton LIENERT-BROWN	185cm	96kg	28	NZ 68cap
14	Tana TUHAKARAINA	180cm	95kg	26
15	Liam COOMBES-FABLING	180cm	83kg	25

** Player to watch **

Anton LIENERT-BROWN. 185cm, 96kg, 28 years old. Anton is a solid CTB for the All Blacks and a master of the offload pass, and played in all seven games at RWC 2023, contributing to their runner-up finish. He was not originally scheduled to play for the Chiefs in Japan, but after the defeat in the first game, he was rushed into the final game. It will be interesting to see how the current Chiefs play.

Now, let the games begin.

Before the game started, HAKA, War Cry, was performed by the Chiefs players.

8 minutes into the first half:

After the kickoff by the Chiefs, the Chiefs advanced the game in the enemy territory for a while, but Spears won the ball back in the middle of the field and advanced to the enemy territory. Spears chose to go for the PG. Spears’ CTB VAILEA scored the first goal of the game. The score was 3-0.

15 minutes into the first half:

The Chiefs came to the 22m line in the enemy territory, and showed their determination to score, and made a series of attacking phase, Spears also persisted in their defense in front of the goal, and did not let their defensive net pass easily, but Chiefs got the ball near the goal post, and SO IOANE showed cut out play and passed the ball to the WTB TUHAKARAINE and scored a try at the left corner of the goal post.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 3-7.

20 minutes into the first half:

The game became a bit of a stalemate, and both teams kicked each other. After several exchanges of kicks, Spears FB WILLIAMS kicked a kick from his own line that went right over the enemy 22-meter line. The crowd cheered for WILLIAMS.

25 minutes into the first half:

The Spears were in control of the ball after entering the enemy territory and were not giving it away. Deep in the enemy territory, SO KISIOKA had the ball and threw a long pass to WTB NEZUKA on the right edge, who caught it, dragged two opposing defenders and scored a try right in the middle of the enemy’s in-goal. NEZUKA has been developing their strength in contact compared to last season.

The conversion goal after the try failed, and the score was 8-7.

32 minutes into the first half:

The Chiefs gradually advanced into the enemy territory, with a series of phases. The Chiefs’ FWs attacked the enemy in-goal and prop PROFFIT scored a try right under the goal post. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 8-14.

39 minutes into the first half:

Towards the end of the first half, the Spears were pinned down in their own territory several times, but they pushed back and managed to push the ball into the opposition’s territory. However, the Chiefs were able to get out of their own half, and SH RATIMA made a big move to the left side of the field, carried the ball, and ran it into the middle of the enemy’s in-goal on the right side for a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 8-21.

The first half ended with the Chiefs taking a 14-point lead.

Now, can the Spears push back the Chiefs in the second half? A change of mindset is required.

7 minutes into the second half:

Spears, who had led by 13 points in the first half, made progress into the enemy territory at the beginning of the second half.　YAMAZAKI caught the ball and scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

7 minutes into the second half:

Spears, who had lost 13 points in the first half, made progress into the enemy territory at the beginning of the second half. A foul by the Chiefs gave the Spears a lineout on their own ball on the left side near the enemy 22m line, which they used as a starting point to expand to the right. SO KISHIOKA of the Spears threw a long pass, and right WTB YAMAZAKI caught it and scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed, and the score was 13-21.

13 minutes into the second half:

Spears entered the enemy territory and gradually advanced deep into enemy territory with FW players making strong contact with their opponents. The Chiefs committed an infringement and Spears elected to go for the PG, which was right in front of the goal post, about 15 meters away. Spears’ CTB VAILEA scored on the PG to make the score 16-21.

17 minutes into the second half:

Of the two Super Rugby teams that came to Japan this time, the Blues, who played the previous week, played a hard contact game around dense areas, which is a weak point of the Japanese team, Sungoliath, while the Chiefs played a set play, developed, and repeated a series of attacks, a type of play often seen in the League One.

In this period, the Chiefs took a penalty kick deep into enemy territory after a foul by the opposing team, secured the ball in their own lineout, and mauled their way forward to score a try by hooker SLATER in the middle left of the enemy in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 16-28.

20 minutes into the second half:

Spears, looking for a way to hold on, secured the ball from the restart kickoff, and from there they deployed a series of attacks to advance deep into the enemy territory. After an infringement by their opponents, Spears secured the ball from their own lineout on the left side inside the enemy 22m line, formed a maul and pushed forward, and as the enemy in-goal approached, replacement prop SAIDA scored a try in the left middle.

Spears also scored a successful conversion goal after the try, making the score 23-28.

24 minutes into the second half:

From the restart kickoff, the Chiefs entered enemy territory and, working as a team, made a series of off-load passes to connect the ball, despite being tackled, to advance and score a try just under the enemy goal posts. The try was scored by Chiefs Rock BAR. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 23-35.

The score was 23-35, and the crowd was thrilled by a series of offload passes that showed the power of NZ.

36 minutes into the second half:

This match was treated as an open game, so the number of substitutions was 13. Chasing a 12-goal deficit, the Spears pushed forward from their own half, moving deeper and deeper into the enemy territory. Finally, the Spears made a big move from the left side to the right side and connected with the ball, and right WTB YAMAZAKI scored a try from the right edge of the field, right in the middle of the enemy in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 35-30. The final, beautiful ball connection to the right was a crowd-pleaser.

The score was no side, and the Spears kept their reputation as last season’s League One champions as they played a close game. If I had my way, I would have liked to see Spears win their final Cross Border Rugby match to bring their record to two wins and two losses versus Super Rugby.

＊＊　Jersey Collection 74　＊＊

Once I have finished showing you all the jersey collections I have on hand, since I have acquired several jerseys around the RWC 2023 in France, I would like to introduce some jerseys

RWC2023 commemorative windbreaker. Not for sale; this item will be distributed to those who purchase the RWC2023 hospitality package. We purchased this item on Mercari. Immediately after the convention, it was priced at 8,000 to 10,000 yen, which was a very aggressive price, but this product was sold in large numbers, so now the price is around 3,000 yen. Functionally, this is a product for spring and fall, as it has low thermal protection.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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BLUES(Super Rugby) vs SUNGOLIATH(League One)

(Written by AZUL: February 14, 2024)

On February 3, 2024, an international rugby match was held at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Minato-ku, Tokyo. The participants in this match were,

1) Two SUPER RUGBY teams from the Southern Hemisphere

BLUES

CHIEFS

and,

2) 4 teams from Japan’s League One.

SUNGOLIATH

WILD KNIGHTS

EAGLES

SPEARS

This is the first time that SUPER RUGBY teams can be seen playing in a domestic stadium since Japan’s SUNWOLVES withdrew from Super Rugby in 2020.Super Rugby is considered the world’s strongest professional rugby league and was a valuable training ground for Japan’s national team players. After withdrawing from Super Rugby, the Japanese rugby world has been working to strengthen Japanese rugby by attracting many top players from around the world to the Top League, a domestic league played in Japan, and League One, a development of the Top League. The Cross Border Rugby will be held here to test the results of these efforts. Will Japan’s League One really be able to compete against Super Rugby? Many Japanese rugby fans were watching this match with great interest.

On this day, 13,278 spectators gathered at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. This showed that the fans’ expectations for this match were high. That was to say, they expect Sungoliath, the representative of League One, to go toe-to-toe with the Blues, the powerhouse team of Super Rugby.

And the memorable first match was,

BLUES VS SUNGOLIATH

The first match was BLUES VS SUNGOLIATH.

Let me introduce both teams.

First, let me introduce the host team, Sungoliath.

Sungoliath was founded in 1980. In the RWC 2023, Sungoliath has 7 players representing Japan. In addition, Sungoliath has three players from other countries participating in RWC 2023. Fans could expect a more than even match against the Super Rugby powerhouse Blues in today’s match.

The starting lineup for today’s match was as follows

Suntory Sungoliath
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Yukio MORIKAWA	180cm	113kg	30
2	Kienori GO	177cm	100kg	27
3	Kuhn BRADLEY	175cm	118kg	22
4	Sione LAVAMAI	189cm	120kg	29	Japan　1cap
5	Harry HOCKINGS	206cm	118kg	25
6	Sam JEFFRIES	198cm	114kg	30
7	Sota OKETANI	175cm	98kg	29
8	Tamati IOANE	187m	121kg	26
9	Naoto SAITO	165cm	73kg	26	Japan　19cap
10	Nicolas SANCHEZ	177cm	83kg	35	Argentina  104cap
11	Shota EMI	183cm	95kg	32
12	Shogo NAKANO	186cm	98kg	26	Japan　7cap
13	Taiga OZAKI	184cm	93kg	25
14	Ryosuke KAWASE	183cm	89kg	24
15	Kotaro MATSUSHIMA	178cm	88kg	30	Japan　55cap

** Player to watch **

Nicolas SANCHEZ. 177 cm, 83 kg, 35 years old. He represented Argentina in the RWC for four consecutive tournaments since 2011 and was the leading scorer in the 2015 tournament. He excels in all the skills required of an SO: running, kicking, passing, and tackling. This was his first game for Sungoliath this season. A living legend, we couldn’t wait to see what SANCHEZ can do in this match.

Next, I would like to introduce BLUES, the visiting team this time.

The team belongs to Super Rugby and was founded in 1996. The team is based in Auckland, New Zealand. Auckland was originally the most active rugby area in New Zealand, and BLUES, based in Auckland, has won the Super Rugby championship three times in the past. The BLUES have won three Super Rugby championships and have produced many players who have represented New Zealand in the ALL BLACKS. How will Sungoliath take on this strong team?

The starting lineup for the day was as follows

Blues
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Joshua Fusitu’a	183cm	118kg	22
2	Kurt Eklund	180cm	103kg	32
3	Angus Ta’avao	194cm	124kg	33
4	Patrick Tuipulotu	198cm	120kg	31
5	Sam Darry	203cm	110kg	23
6	Adrian Choat	190cm	100kg	26
7	Anton Segner	192cm	108kg	23
8	Hoskins Sotutu	192m	106kg	25
9	Sam Nock	178m	85kg	27
10	Stephen PEROFETA	184cm	100kg	26
11	Kade Banks	183cm	92kg	23
12	Leo Gordon	187cm	100kg	20
13	Corey Evans	181cm	96kg	24
14	Caleb Tangitau	188cm	98kg	20
15	Cole Forbes	180cm	91kg	23

** Player to watch **

Stephen PEROFETA. 184cm, 100kg, 26 years old. He is expected to be the successor to Beauden BARRETT in the BLUES. Will he be able to show the same great footwork on the game that he showed last year when he came to Japan?

Let the games begin. The kick-off time was 12:00.

It was a midwinter match with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, but the cold was not too much to bear in the sunlit part of the stands.

4 minutes into the first half:

The Blues kicked off to start the match. Sungoliath did not seem to be losing much in the contact play when the teams got into a tight battle. In a League One match, after such a long period of continuous attacks, Sungoliath would try to win the ball back, but they could not get it from the Blues and were forced to go in-goal, and finally, the Blues were able to score a try. The Blues lock DARRY scored a try right under the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 0-7 in favor of the Blues.

7 minutes into the first half:

From the restart kickoff, Sungoliath once attacked into enemy territory, but the Blues kicked from deep in their own territory, and from there, the Blues raised their defensive end line and crushed Sungoliath near halfway. From there, the Blues launched a series of attacks, and in a densely packed battle, Sungoliath was unable to win the ball back at all. The Blues continued to connect and finally hooker EKLAND scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try failed and the score was 0-12.

15 minutes into the first half:

Once again, it began with the kickoff of the restart by Sungoliath. However, the Blues counter attacked again, and CTB Evans broke through the Sungoliath defense and quickly advanced deep into enemy territory. From this point, the Blues began another series of attacks, but Sungoliath was unable to win the ball back anyway. The Blues scored a try by WTB TANGITAU in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 0-19.

30 minutes into the first half:

Sungoliath finally started to show Turn Over at this time of the game, taking the ball away from their opponents. The SO of Sungoliath, SANCHEZ also made a strong tackle, which excited the crowd. Sungoliath finally made their way into the enemy territory, where they drew a foul on their opponents and won a lineout just in front of the enemy in-goal. The Blues then took the ball, but Sungoliath continued to play in the opposition’s territory. Sungolith then formed a maul in front of the enemy in-goal and attempted to advance, but this was blocked by the Blues. From there, the team moved to the left, and the ball was passed to FB MATSUSHIMA, who scored a try near the goal post as they entered the enemy’s in-goal.

Sungoliath finally scored their first points. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 7-19.

The first half ended with the score at 7-19, and at 0-19 it looked like it was going to be a one-sided game, but Sungoliath had time to attack, and the game became more interesting.

After about 10 minutes of halftime, the second half kicked off.

3 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath did improve from the first 20 minutes of the first half, when they were unable to win the ball back at all in a dense battle. However, in the second half, the Blues were unable to stop a series of offloaded passes after being tackled, as the Blues deployed from their own half and broke through the Sungoliath defensive net on the right flank, connecting with flanker SEGNER to substitute SH FUNAKI, he scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, making the score 7-24.

6 minutes into the second half:

The Blues offense came on strong and Sungoliath could not stop it.

From the kick-off after the try, the Blues deployed and started a series of attacks, making steady progress, and the Blues came close to the enemy’s in-goal from the left side, and from there they went wide right and finally scored a try by WTB TANGITAU in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, making the score 7-29.

30 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath had more chances to attack in this period. Substitutes were aggressively attacking in quick succession, getting deep into enemy territory to the delight of the crowd, but the Blues’ defensive netting was too tight to score when it looked like they might score.

Sungoliath was close to the enemy in-goal when they dropped the ball and it was kicked in by the Blues’ No. 8 SOTUTU. Then the Blues’ WTB BANKS chased the ball, ran almost 80 meters at a stretch, caught the ball, and scored a try in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 7-36.

34 minutes into the second half:

The Blues caught the ball from the restart kickoff and began another series of attacks, which Sungoliath was unable to stop until late in the game. The Blues continued to attack until they were deep in enemy territory. From the left edge in front of the enemy’s in-goal, the Blues went wide to the right, and finally FB Forbes scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 7-43.

In the end, the score remained the same and the match was over; a complete defeat for Sungoliath. In this match, Sungoliath had many things to reflect on.

Sungoliath lost the game by far the most at the point of contact where they were competing with their opponents.

Sungoliath was slower in gathering loose balls than the Blues, and lost most of the games in close quarters.

The Cross Border Rugby will be played for four matches in total, and if the Blues lose all of them, this tournament may disappear from next season onward. This means that since Japan withdrew from the Super Rugby, they have lost more ground to the stronger rugby nations. Therefore, we hope that the Japanese teams will be more determined in the next round and beyond.

The Cross Border Rugby will be played for a total of four matches, and if the Japanese teams lose all of them, the tournament may disappear after next season. This would mean that Japan has not progressed at all since their withdrawal from the Super Rugby. Therefore, we hope that the Japanese teams will be inspired in the next and subsequent rounds of this interchange.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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 (Written by Azul: February ２, 2024)

The 60th National University Rugby Football Championship, which started last November, finally reached its final day on January 13, 2024. The venue was the National Stadium in Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

The two teams that faced the stage for the fine final were the Teikyo University Rugby Club, aiming for a third consecutive championship title, and the Meiji University Rugby Club, a traditional school aiming to win the championship on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

The number of fans who gathered at the National Stadium that day was 18,374. For a final, the crowd was small.

Unlike in previous years, the League One match was held at a different venue on this day, so the fans had to disperse. We expect the competition to be as hot as at other venues.

The two schools met once before on November 19 in an official match of the Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group, and on that occasion, Teikyo University won handily, 43-11. Last season, Teikyo University beat Meiji University to the ground, but in this year’s fall match, Meiji University was no match for Teikyo University in the battle at the point of contact. The gap in power between the two was narrowing.

Here is the latest information on both schools going into the finals.

First, let’s start with the previous champion, Teikyo University.

Teikyo University Rugby Club was founded in 1970. Compared to Waseda University, Meiji University, and Keio University, Teikyo University has a shorter history, but its performance in recent years has been overwhelmingly superior to the other schools. The team won 9 consecutive university championships from the 46th to the 54th, then 58th and 59th, and is aiming for a third consecutive championship at this year’s tournament. 7 players, led by captain Himeno, were on the Japanese team for RWC 2023.

The team used to play running rugby like Waseda, but now plays all-around rugby, scoring points from all parts of the field, both FW and BK. Teikyo University itself is capable of competing with teams in the lower divisions of League One, but unfortunately, the difference in strength between the professional teams and the university teams is now so great that they no longer have the opportunity to play each other in the Japan Championship. Perhaps the current Teikyo University needs an opponent who can fully demonstrate its power.

This day’s starting lineup was as follows.

Teikyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Taishi TSUMURA	172cm	108kg	22
2	Hayate ERA	171cm	100kg	22	U-18 JAPAN
3	Taro UESUGI	176cm	113kg	21
4	Takuma MOTOHASHI	193cm	118kg	21
5	Ryeon YOON	186cm	108kg	22
6	Keito AOKI	187cm	110kg	21
7	Akito OKUI	177cm	103kg	22	U-18 JAPAN
8	Shuto NOBUHARA	182cm	100kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
9	Kumusu LEE	174cm	80kg	21
10	Hitaka INOUE	175cm	80kg	22
11	Tomu TAKAMOTO	182cm	90kg	22	U-18 JAPAN
12	Yoshiki OMACHI	172cm	82kg	19	U-18,U-20 JAPAN,JJ
13	Keito KAIDA	180cm	85kg	22
14	Shinya KOMURA	179cm	87kg	21
15	Taiki YAMAGUCHI	177cm	90kg	22	U-18,U-20 JAPAN
					JJ=Junior Japan

** Player to watch **

Taiki YAMAGUCHI. 177 cm, 90 kg, 22 years old. Position = FB. graduated from Nagasaki Hokuyodai High School. representative of Japan U-18,U-20. He is a late bloomer, having only secured a regular position in his third year at Teikyo University, but the depth of Teikyo University’s roster is such that a player of this caliber cannot play until his third year, He has contributed to Teikyo University’s winning streak, and was expected to play a key role in the offense and defense in the finals.

Next, I would like to introduce the Meiji University Rugby Club.

Founded in 1922. This season marks the 100th anniversary of its founding. In order to win the championship on this 100th anniversary, the team has acquired a large number of promising new students, especially this season. The Japanese high school students entering this year are all highly capable players, known as the “Golden Generation of Rugby. Compared to other universities, which have acquired one or two U-18 Japan representatives, Meiji University has acquired as many as 10 U-18 Japan representatives this season. Unfortunately, the golden generation of players who played in this day’s final were not yet available at Meiji University, which has a strong roster of players, but Meiji University is expected to have great players in the tournament next year and beyond.

The starters for the day were as follows.

Meiji University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Junki TOKODA	178cm	103kg	22
2	Junichiro MATSUSHITA	173cm	99kg	22
3	Keijiro TAMEFUSA	180cm	110kg	22	U18 Japan
4	Reijiro YAMAMOTO	191cm	111kg	21	U18 Japan
5	Daichi SATO	183cm	100kg	22
6	Yuta MORIYAMA	183cm	100kg	22
7	Taisei FUKUDA	173cm	95kg	21
8	Taishiro KIDO	185m	104kg	21
9	Shu HAGIHARA	173m	77kg	22
10	Kotaro ITO	176cm	86kg	22
11	Kohaku EBISAWA	173cm	80kg	19
12	Yuya HIROSE	179cm	94kg	22	U18 Japan
13	Yuta AKIHAMA	175cm	85kg	21
14	Kohei YASUDA	183cm	88kg	20
15	Shotaro IKEDO	181cm	90kg	22

** Player to watch **

Kohaku EBISAWA. 173cm, 80kg, 19 years old. He is a graduate of Houtoku Gakuen High School. He is the only freshman among the regular members of Meiji University this season. He is not a member of the 10 U-18 high school representatives that Meiji University has acquired this season, but he has surpassed them in terms of his performance. His concentration on scoring chances and his decisiveness in scoring tries have made him an indispensable asset to Meiji University.

Let the game begin. Kickoff for the day was at 15:10.

3 minutes into the first half:

The temperature that day was very cold, cloudy and snowy.

Teikyo University attacked deep into the enemy territory at the start. Meiji University kicked the ball from an in-goal dropout, and Teikyo University secured the ball at the right edge of the enemy territory, and from there, the ball was deployed to the left. When Teikyo University’s WTB TAKAMOTO received the ball in the left corner, he was surrounded by three defenders, but he easily dodged them with cut-in play and scored the first try in the in-goal in the middle left of the enemy line. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 7-0.

It was a typical Teikyo University attack that kicked into high gear right from the start of the match.

As is Teikyo University’s winning pattern, once they score the first try, they start attacking in waves, and the crowd was excited as both sides attacked deep into the enemy territory on more and more occasions.

14 minutes into the first half:

Around this time, cold rain began to fall. Teikyo University dominated the scrums at set plays, but Meiji University was not far behind. Teikyo University then moved steadily forward into the enemy territory, closing in on the enemy in-goal, but Meiji University managed to push the ball back.

20 minutes into the first half:

The weather changed from rain to hail, and thunderstorms began to threaten the area near the stadium, so the game was suspended.

The interruption lasted for an hour.

Let’s see how this unexpected interruption will affect the rest of the match.

26 minute into the first half:

2 minutes after the break, Teikyo University made individual contact and kept pushing forward. Then, finally Teikyo University’s flanker AOKI scored a try in the left center of the enemy’s in-goal.

However, this try was disallowed by a video judgment.

Teikyo University regrouped from this point, and from a lineout near the 22-meter line, they formed a maul and surged forward, with hooker ERA scoring the try in the middle of the field. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 14-0.

Teikyo University will have to keep up the momentum and push Meiji University over the line.

35 minutes into the first half:

Meiji University, which had a poor record at set pieces and in contact play around the tight pack, tried to use the ground more spaciously and attacked.

With a series of tightrope walking attacks, they managed to get deep into the enemy territory.

From a position close to the enemy in-goal, Meiji University’s CTB Akihama cut inside from the line and scored a try in the middle left of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed.

39 minutes into the first half:

Meiji University regained momentum in this period by scoring a try after being pushed back by Teikyo University from start to finish.

Meiji University was again pushed by Teikyo University to the in-goal, but Meiji University FB Ikedo kicked the ball back and it rolled around the 22-meter line in enemy territory.

The ball was wet with snow, and Teikyo University FB YAMAGUCHI knocked it on. This allowed Meiji University to attack the enemy goal line at once. From here, they formed a scrum of their own ball, from which they secured the ball, and Meiji University developed to the left side of the blind side, which passed to WTB EBISAWA, who dodged one of the opposing day defenders and scored a try in the middle of the enemy in-goal on the left side. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 14-12, and Meiji University was within 2 points at the end of the first half.

The first half ended there.

The game progressed with Teikyo University having the upper hand, but two tries in the final minutes brought Meiji University back to even terms. Can Meiji University keep this momentum going into the second half?

Let’s get the second half underway.

4 minutes into the second half:

Meiji University went on the offensive early in the second half, and just as they were getting into the enemy territory, they made a mistake on a sign play, which allowed Teikyo University to attack the other way. Teikyo University went deep into the enemy territory, but Meiji University committed a foul and Teikyo University opted for the PG. FB YAMAGUCHI made a steady kick to make the score 17-12.

8 minutes into the second half:

Teikyo University made a number of handling errors during this period, and the game became deadlocked. However, Meiji University committed an infringement just as Teikyo University was entering enemy territory. Teikyo University then opted for another PG, and FB YAMAGUCHI converted it to make the score 20-12, giving Teikyo University an 8-point lead.

10 minutes into the second half:

Teikyo University kicked an in-goal dropout, which extended to the halfway point, and Meiji University FB Ikedo caught it and attempted a DG from this position. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful, but the crowd at the stadium was thrilled.

20 minutes into the second half:

The ground of the National Stadium became a blizzard as snow came down at a great rate. The snow made it impossible for the teams to connect the ball and attack in succession, so they kicked kicks against each other, and the team that made a mistake was the one that was attacked. Meiji University dominated the ball during this period and gradually pushed deeper and deeper into the enemy territory. With 7 to 8 meters to go, it was in-goal, but Meiji University committed an infringement and it became a Teikyo ball scrum.

Teikyo University then tried to kick the ball out, but Meiji’s WTB EBISAWA ran in from the outside and caught the ball in play.

However, Meiji University dropped the ball, which was kicked deep into the enemy territory by Teikyo University’s WTB TAKAMOTO, which was picked up by Teikyo University and deployed, and finally CTB KAIDA picked it up and scored a try right in the middle of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 27-12.

23 minutes into the second half:

Meiji University was down by 15 points, but their spirits were not yet dampened. After entering the enemy territory, Meiji University’s SO Itoh made a spirited tackle, knocking down his opponent and creating a tight pack, where Teikyo University committed a foul for not releasing the ball. Meiji University opted to go for the PG, which CTB HIROSE converted to make the score 27-15.

37 minutes into the second half:

The snow and cold weather led to numerous handling errors by both teams, causing play to be suspended more often than not. Teikyo University got into enemy territory and drew a collapsing infringement from their opponents with a powerful scrum to close in on the enemy in-goal. From a penalty kick, Teikyo University had the ball in their own lineout, and after securing the ball, they moved forward in a maul, with hooker ERA scoring the final try in the right center. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 34-15.

With just over a minute remaining, Teikyo University was assured of victory. In the end, Teikyo University’s SO INOUE kicked the ball out of the scrum to end the game.

The match turned out to be a hotly contested affair with many highlights, as Meiji University was within striking distance of Teikyo University until the 37th minute of the second half.

With this victory, Teikyo University has now won three consecutive University Championships. This is the end of this season’s college rugby, but what kind of rugby will be shown next season when the players are replaced? Personally, I am looking forward to seeing how the 19-year-old players, who are considered the golden generation, will develop.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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 (Written by Azul: 22 January, 2024)

The National University Rugby Football Championship for the 2023-2024 season reached its semi-finals on 2 January.

The results of the quarter-finals were as follows.

* University of Tsukuba vs Meiji University: 7-45.

* Tenri University vs Tokai University: 34-14.

* Teikyo University vs Kwansei Gakuin University: 78-15

Kyoto Sangyo University vs Waseda University: 65-28

As a result, the pairings for the University Championship semi-finals were decided as follows

Match 1: Kyoto Sangyo University vs Meiji University

Match 2: Teikyo University vs Tenri University

As for the pairings, the two matches are a Kanto vs Kansai showdown, and all teams have strong FWs, making it an exciting semi-final for fans watching the matches.

The semi-finals and final of the University Championships will be held at the National Stadium in Sendagaya, Tokyo, and the heated matches are expected to be enlivened by the cheering crowds.

Let’s introduce the two teams that will play in the first match.

First, let me introduce the Kyoto Sangyo University Rugby Club.

Kyoto Sangyo University was founded in 1964. It has won the Kansai University League seven times and is currently on a three-year winning streak. The team has produced many national team players such as Daisuke Ohata. The team’s style of play is characterised by FW set-pieces, especially strong scrums. In the past, Kyosan University’s style was to gather nationally unknown high school students, train them hard and challenge traditional schools. However, in recent years, due to their consistent performance in university championships, they have begun to attract players from the Japanese high school national team and are expected to develop in the future.

Today’s starting line-up is as follows.

Kyoto Sangyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Ryushin SONE	175cm	103kg	21
2	Lee SOONHONG	171cm	100kg	21
3	Shinta KAWAGUCHI	186cm	120kg	21
4	Chuka ISHIBASHI	190cm	93kg	19	U-18 JAPAN
5	Soromone L.FUNAKI	186cm	114kg	21
6	Ken HIYOSHI	180cm	100kg	21
7	Kosei MIKI	174cm	95kg	21	U18 Japan
8	Sione POLUTELE	184cm	110kg	20	U18 Japan
9	Asahi DOEI	170cm	73kg	20	U20 Japan, JJ
10	Daigo YOSHIMOTO	184cm	90kg	19	U18 Japan
11	Hiroto NISHI	170cm	75kg	21
12	Rimpei ONO	170cm	84kg	20
13	Ryosei TAKAI	176cm	82kg	22
14	Taiga MATSUOKA	170cm	77kg	22
15	Hayata TSUJINO	178cm	85kg	20
					JJ=Junior Japan

** Player to watch **

Chuka ISHIBASHI. 190 cm, 93 kg, 19 years old. Position = lock. Graduated from Houtoku Gakuen High School. Half Nigerian father, half Japanese mother, U18 Japan, one of the golden generation who toured Ireland this spring and defeated the U19 Ireland national team. After entering Kyoto Sangyo University, he has secured a regular position in the powerful Kyoto Sangyo University FW despite being a first-year student. He is a big, mobile player, as he also won the national championship in high school seven-man rugby.

Next up is the Meiji University Rugby Club.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the club’s founding, and the members are working together to achieve their goal of winning the University Championship. In the Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group, the team finished second after losing to Teikyo University, but their captain, CTB Yuya HIROSE, who was out due to injury, will return from this match and will be fully fit to face this match. In addition to their traditional strong FW, this season Meiji University have a lot of talent in their BK players, and will be competing on overall strength.

Today’s starting line-up is as follows.

Meiji University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Junki TOKODA	178cm	103kg	22
2	Junichiro MATSUSHITA	173cm	99kg	22
3	Keijiro TAMEFUSA	180cm	110kg	22	U18 Japan
4	Reijiro YAMAMOTO	191cm	111kg	21	U18 Japan
5	Daichi SATO	183cm	100kg	22
6	Yuta MORIYAMA	183cm	100kg	22
7	Taisei FUKUDA	173cm	95kg	21
8	Taishiro KIDO	185m	104kg	21
9	Shu HAGIHARA	173m	77kg	22
10	Kotaro ITO	176cm	86kg	22
11	Kohaku EBISAWA	173cm	80kg	19
12	Yuya HIROSE	179cm	94kg	22	U18 Japan
13	Yuta AKIHAMA	175cm	85kg	21
14	Kohei YASUDA	183cm	88kg	20
15	Shotaro IKEDO	181cm	90kg	22

** Player to watch **.

Yuya HIROSE. 179 cm, 94 kg, 22 years old. He is a graduate of Higashi Fukuoka High School, U18 Japan, and will be taking on the heavy responsibility of captain this season, the 100th anniversary of the school’s founding. Since entering Meiji University, he has been a regular in the team since his first year and has made a name for himself. In matches, he also has responsibility as a placekicker. He was out for a few games before the semi-final due to injury, but will he be able to show his best performance in this match?

Let’s start the first half.

The game started at 12:25.

1st minute of the first half:

Early in the game, Meiji University came into the enemy line and as they tackled, Kyoto Sangyo University’s SO YOSHIMOTO suffered a neck injury and had to be replaced early. The early departure of the main SO is likely to be quite a blow for Kyoto Sangyo University.

5 minutes into the first half:

Meiji University were slightly pushed by Kyoto Sangyo University in the first set piece scrum, but SH HAGIHARA got the ball out and they attacked in succession. Meiji University gradually approached the enemy’s in-goal with a series of attacks to the left and right, and from just in front of the goal posts, FB IKEDO kicked the ball into the in-goal, which was held by WTB EBISAWA for the first try for Meiji University. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 0-5.

9 minutes of the first half:

From the kick-off after the try, Kyoto Sangyo University moved forward with their best set-piece. A scrum drew an infringement from their opponents, and from a PG they secured the ball in their own lineout and moved forward in a maul to put pressure on Meiji University. Kyoto Sangyo University then passed the ball to WTB Nishi, who ran across the maul and scored a try in the left corner of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. Kyoto Sangyo University easily equalised.

17 minutes into the first half:

Kyoto Sangyo University still had the better of the scrum and maul set-pieces. Kyoto Sangyo University pushed Meiji University in the scrum here, drawing a collapsing infringement, earning the right to a PG and kicking the ball steadily outwards. However, Meiji University’s WTB EBISAWA helped himself to the ball and jumped on the ball as it was about to go off the touchline, making it his own ball. Meiji University attacked in quick succession in the enemy territory, and it was a densely contested battle, but they picked up the ball well and attacked again in quick succession, with Meiji University’s SO Itoh receiving the ball, dodging through a gap in the enemy defence and scoring a try just under the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 5-12.

22 minutes of the first half:

While Kyosan University tried to break down their opponents with set plays, Meiji University cut the gain line with a BK development attack. After spreading out to the left and right, Kyoto Sangyo University’s response to Meiji University’s advances was a little backward. Meiji University attacked deep into the enemy territory, and after a PG from an infringement by the opponents, they closed in on the enemy in-goal, and from a lineout on their own ball, they quickly moved forward in a maul and hooker MATSUSHITA scored a try in the middle left. The conversion goal after the try was also successful and the score was 5-19, with Meiji University taking a 14-point lead.

28 minutes of the first half:

Meiji University had been pushing the game forward with a series of BK attacks up until this time. Here, Kyoto Sangyo University won the ball back in a tight battle deep in their own half and kicked the ball into enemy territory, where Meiji University committed an infringement. Kyoto Sangyo University opted for a penalty kick and advanced their position in front of the enemy in-goal. From there, Kyoto Sangyo University used contact play, mainly by their FWs, to close in on the enemy in-goal and finally deployed to the right, where FB NASU, who came on as a midway substitute, scored a try in the middle on the right. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 12-19.

Towards the end of the first half, Kyoto Sangyo University’s ball possession increased. Using their strength as a maul as a shield, the team worked together to advance deep into enemy territory, where Meiji University was unable to resist committing an infringement, giving them a PG opportunity. SO TSUJINO scored PGs in the 33rd and 38th minutes of the first half in quick succession to level the score at 18-19.

41 minutes of the first half:

Towards the end of the first half, Meiji University went on the offensive. Meiji University opted for a penalty kick instead of a PG after an infringement near halfway, and advanced their position to the enemy in-goal. From a lineout here, they formed a maul, which was once stopped, but they split the opposition defence down the middle and quickly moved into the enemy in-goal to score a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 18-26, and Meiji University again outscored Kyoto Sangyo University.

This was the end of the first half. Both teams showed their strengths and thrilled the crowd at the National Stadium.

Now, which team will take control of the game in the second half and advance to the final? Let’s get the second half underway.

2 minutes of the second half:

Rain started to fall early in the second half. Perhaps because of this, Meiji University kicked off and the ball was dropped in front of them by Kyoto Sangyo University’s SH Ito deep in their own half. This put Kyoto Sangyo University in the pinch of a scrum deep in their own half with the ball in their opponents’ hands. From this scrum, Meiji University made a series of attacks. After attacking on the right side, they deployed to the left side, where Meiji University’s SO Ito received a pass and once again ran through the opposition defence to score a try in the middle on the left. Meiji University’s SO Ito was so quick to get up to top speed after receiving the ball that his opponents were taken aback the first time they faced him.

The conversion goal after the try failed and the score was 18-31.

7 minutes into the second half:

Kyoto Sangyo University attacked deep into enemy territory from the kick-off in an attempt to close the gap. However, a lineout in front of the enemy in-goal saw the visitors lose possession and miss a scoring opportunity.

From this point on, Meiji University seemed to have the mental edge and looked comfortable in their play. Meiji University made steady progress and went deep into enemy territory. Kyoto Sangyo University gradually began to be pushed back by individual contact, which they had dominated up to this point. In this situation, Meiji’s BK developed to the right, and from a deep line FB IKEDO ran in to receive the ball and went behind the enemy defence at once, scoring a try just behind the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 18-38.

With Kyoto Sangyo University trailing by 20 points at this stage of the game, handling errors were becoming more and more noticeable at key moments. They failed to secure the ball in a lineout deep in enemy territory, and then attempted a BK move near halfway, but again dropped the ball in front. From here, Meiji University kicked the ball deep into the box, and a scoring chance instantly turned into a scoring crisis.

20 minutes into the second half:

As Kyoto Sangyo University made a series of handling errors, Meiji University overcame their opponents with spirit and finally began to gain the upper hand in the scrums. From in front of the goal posts in the enemy territory, the scrum was developed to the right and the backs connected with the ball with a thick follow-through, allowing CTB AKIHAMA to score a try just under the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 18-45.

29 minutes into the second half:

Meiji University started to tire a little and a handling error allowed Kyoto Sangyo University to push deep into their own half. From there, Kyoto Sangyo University tried to push forward by forming a maul from their own ball lineout, but to their surprise, only one WTB was left and the 14 players pushed through the maul to score a try in the opponents’ in-goal in the middle left corner. The try was scored by TSUJINO, playing SO. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 25-45.

35 minutes of the second half:

In this match, Kyoto Sangyo University did not respond well to attacks from the deep line by the Meiji University BK. From behind, the Meiji University BK, who ran in, accelerated and followed up with more attacks, broke through the defence one after the other. This led to the Kyoto Sangyo University BK players becoming disheartened and led to a chain of handling errors.

Again, Kyoto Sangyo University’s defence was breached by a series of attacks from Meiji University’s BK, and finally a try was scored in the middle left by replacement Meiji University CTB TAIRA. A conversion goal after the try made the score 25-52 at last.

40 minutes into the second half:

Kyoto Sangyo University, looking for a last gasp, broke into the enemy territory and formed a maul to push forward at full stretch. The maul was joined later by BK players, and the 11 players pushed forward to the enemy in-goal to score a try. The try was scored by No.8 POLEO, a substitute from Kyoto Sangyo University. The conversion goal after the try failed.

The game ended here, with the final score 30-52 in favour of Meiji University. They will play the winner of the second match between Teikyo University and Tenri University in the final.

Kyoto Sangyo University showed that they were capable of playing well, but succumbed to the combined strength of Meiji University’s FW and BK. Despite the defeat, Kyoto Sangyo University has many promising players in the lower ranks and will be looking forward to next season’s development.

This will be followed by the second match.

This year marks the 60th edition of the National University Rugby Football Championship. In the second semi-final match, the absolute champions Teikyo University Rugby Club, who are aiming for their third consecutive championship title, face off against Tenri University, the second-ranked team in the Kansai League this time.

Let us introduce the two teams.

First, Teikyo University Rugby Club.

Teikyo University is aiming to become the number one university in Japan for the 12th time in total. The team no longer has any rivals at university level, and it is said that its strength could be matched even if it played against a League One team. Today, many of Japan’s national team players are from Teikyo University. Who can stop this Teikyo University winning streak, this time against Tenri University, which won the 2020 University Championship before Teikyo University’s streak began. Expect a good match.

Today’s starting line-up is as follows.

Teikyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Taishi TSUMURA	172cm	108kg	22
2	Hayate ERA	171cm	100kg	22	U-18 JAPAN
3	Taro UESUGI	176cm	113kg	21
4	Takuma MOTOHASHI	193cm	118kg	21
5	Ryeon YOON	186cm	108kg	22
6	Keito AOKI	187cm	110kg	21
7	Akito OKUI	177cm	103kg	22	U-18 JAPAN
8	Shuto NOBUHARA	182cm	100kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
9	Kumusu LEE	174cm	80kg	21
10	Hitaka INOUE	175cm	80kg	22
11	Tomu TAKAMOTO	182cm	90kg	22	U-18 JAPAN
12	Taichi KUKINO	179cm	90kg	21
13	Keito KAIDA	180cm	85kg	22
14	Shinya KOMURA	179cm	87kg	21
15	Taiki YAMAGUCHI	177cm	90kg	22	U-18,U-20 JAPAN

** Player to watch **

Hayate ERA. 171 cm, 100 kg, 22 years old. Position = Hooker. A graduate of Osaka Toin High School, Hayate is a member of the U-18 Japan national team and captain of Teikyo University, which is aiming for a third consecutive championship. Although he is not a big man, he makes up for it with his rugby sense, his outstanding leadership of the FW, and his fighting spirit that emanates during games. As the next generation of Japan’s national hooker, he is expected to play an even more active role in the future.

Next, an introduction of the Tenri University Rugby Club.

University Championship victory in 2020. In this season’s Kansai League, the team fought a fierce battle with Kyoto Sangyo University, and although they were narrowly beaten at the end of the game to finish second, they went on to win the University Championship, defeating Keio University (4th in the Kanto University Rivalry Group) 41-12 in the third round and Tokai University (1st in the Kanto University League Group) in the quarter-finals by 34-14. We hope they show Teikyo University that they can play rugby without being overpowered.

** Player to watch **

Patrick VAKATA. 189 cm, 112 kg, 21 years old. He is a graduate of Japan Aviation Ishikawa High School. Position = No.8. From Tonga. A player who epitomises the power of Tenri University. He is a monster with a bench press of 160 kg, but is also a fast 50 m runner with a time of 6.2 seconds. How far he can show his power at the point of contact and his ability to break through against Teikyo University will be the key to victory or defeat in this match.

Now for the start of the second match. Kick-off was 14:40.

14 minutes of the first half:

The teams were evenly matched in terms of individual clashes after deployment, with Teikyo University showing their superiority in terms of scrums. In the Kansai League, Tenri University had never experienced being pushed around in the scrum, but as expected of the student champions, Teikyo University were strong. Teikyo University’s winning pattern was to use a strong scrum early in the game to draw infringements from their opponents, advance on penalties, and always have the upper hand in the game, playing in the opposition’s territory and racking up points. However, Tenri University fought well at the point of contact in defence after deployment and stopped Teikyo University from advancing. However, Teikyo University got into enemy territory, deployed to the left, and when the ball was passed to WTB TAKAMOTO, he used his individual skills to pick off two opposing defenders and score a try in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful and Teikyo University scored the first points of the game to make the score 7-0.

17 minutes of the first half:

The two teams kicked each other, but Teikyo University’s FB YAMAGUCHI caught his own contested kick and immediately took it to the left side, where the ball was passed from No. 11 to No. 14. He scored his second try of the day in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 14-0.

21st minute of the first half:

The game looked like it was going to be a one-sided game for Teikyo University, but Tenri University fought back from here. As if a switch had been flipped on by all Tenri University players, they pushed forward more strongly than ever at the point of contact with their opponents and connected with the ball. After closing in on the enemy in-goal, prop MATSUNO finally broke through a wall of three Teikyo University defenders and scored a try in the middle on the left. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 14-5.

35 minutes of the first half:

Tenri University’s spirits were high during this period, and the two teams were in a stalemate of strength. Outside of scrums, Tenri University were evenly matched. Tenri University were in the opposition’s territory, and although they repeated a series of attacks, they were unable to get inside the 22-metre line. Tenri University then quickly moved to the right from a rather poor scrum and, making full use of signalling play, right winger HIROTA made a good run down the line. As he approached the enemy in-goal, he was caught by the Teikyo University defence, but the ball was passed to Tenri University’s left WTB FUJIWARA, who followed inside and scored a try right in the middle. The conversion goal after the try was also scored, making the score 14-12.

Tenri University began to dominate the game here. After the try, Tenri University kicked off and the ball was passed to No.8 VAKATA, who charged into the enemy line with great vigour, beating the Teikyo University defence by eight men to the delight of the crowd.

41 minutes of the first half:

Both sides kicked a high punt, but Teikyo University was fouled on the catch and Tenri University opted to go for the PG. With the horn already sounding for the end of the first half, Tenri University’s Tsutsuguchi attempted a PG from his own line near halfway, from a distance of almost 60 metres.

The PG fell a little short of distance and a Teikyo University player kicked it outwards, ending the first half.

Teikyo University, as usual, blamed and scored at once from the beginning of the game, but from the middle of the first half, Tenri University showed their aggressiveness and showed a competitive battle. We look forward to another good game in the second half.

Let’s get the second half underway.

3 minutes of the second half:

Tenri University committed an infringement in the centre of the ground, and from the penalty kick awarded, Teikyo University advanced their position to the enemy 22m line. From this position, from a lineout on their own ball, the ball was spread to the right and passed to WTB Komura in the left corner, who grounded it into the middle right of the enemy in-goal for Teikyo University’s first points of the second half. The conversion goal after the try failed, leaving the score 19-12.

7 minutes into the second half:

Teikyo University had a PG opportunity from a Not Role Away infringement by their opponents a little way into enemy territory, on the right side of the ground. Teikyo University FB YAMAGUCHI succeeded steadily to make the score 22-12.

Teikyo University had reflected on their poor contact with Tenri University in the first half, and players were quick to pull together to avoid being pushed over in contact with their opponents. This made it difficult for Tenri University to make progress.

From the 15th minute of the second half, the game became a stalemate. Tenri University’s energy was so high that despite the game being almost entirely in Tenri University’s favour, no points were scored. However, there were two scenes where, if video judgement had been used, it would have been a try for Teikyo University. The fact that the University Championship only had video judgment in the final game worked somewhat against Teikyo University in this situation. However, the fact that the match remained closely contested kept the tension in the game alive.

And as the match came to an end

In the first match, Kyoto Sangyo University seemed to have been outplayed by Meiji University, but in the second match Tenri University, despite losing to Teikyo University, seemed to give it all they had. Many of Tenri University’s players looked refreshed.

As a result of this semi-final, the final pairing was Teikyo University, aiming for a third consecutive university championship, against Meiji University, who were hoping to celebrate their 100th anniversary with a victory. The final will take place on 13 January. There is a week longer than usual between the two teams. Both teams will need to be in good condition to play a good game worthy of the final.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

 (Written by Azul: January 7, 2024)

This season’s National University Rugby Championship has begun.

The participating schools are as follows.

Participating schools Breakdown: 14

(1) Kanto University Rivalry Group Top 5 schools:

　　1st : Teikyo University

　　2nd : Meiji University

　　3rd : Waseda University

　　4th : University of Tsukuba

　　5th : Keio University

2) Kanto University League Group Top 3 Schools:

　　1st : Tokai University

　　2nd : Ryutsu Keizai University

　　3rd : Hosei University

3) Kansai University League Top 3 schools:

1st : Kyoto Sangyo University

2nd : Tenri University

3rd : Kwansei Gakuin University

4） Kyushu Student Rugby League 1st : Kyushu Institute of Technology

(5) Hokkaido Tohoku District Representative: Hachinohe Gakuin University

6） Tokai, Hokuriku, Chugoku, Shikoku district representative: Chukyo University

The difference in the number of schools selected in each league is due to the most recent results.

As of this day (December 17), the third round had already started, and the number of spectators was 4,402, about 20% of the capacity of Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. The attendance was a little sad, with only a few people from the participating schools and a few general rugby fans coming to watch the game.

It is expected that the excitement of this tournament will start after the semifinals, where the top schools will meet. Teikyo University, the current two-time consecutive winner of the championship, has a good reputation, and it will be interesting to see how far the top teams from each league can go against them.

I watched the following two matches.

(1) Ryutsu Keizai University vs University of Tsukuba

(2) Waseda University vs. Hosei University

Let me introduce the opposing teams for the first match.

First, let me tell you about the Ryutsu Keizai University Rugby Club.

The club was founded in 1965. In recent years, the team has been ranked at the top of the Kanto University League group and is becoming a regular participant in the National University Rugby Championships. The team’s best result in the championship was the top eight. The team is a free-attacking team, capable of scoring from any position in the FW and BK. However, the top teams in the championship have strong FWs and strong defenses, so breaking through this barrier is the key to advancing to the final four.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

Ryutsu Keizai University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Jinichiro TAMANAGA	177cm	112kg	22
2	Shunsuke SAKUTA	176cm	103kg	22
3	Kazuma YOSHIMURA	176cm	112kg	22
4	Kenta UEDA	182cm	100kg	21
5	Len SCHINCKEL	186cm	108kg	21
6	Hikaru SHINOZAWA	183cm	101kg	21
7	Toshiya HARADA	170cm	93kg	22
8	Loketi TISILELI	191cm	122kg	21
9	Yosuke TAKEI	168cm	72kg	22
10	Kai SASAKI	172cm	81kg	21
11	Ryo TOMA	177cm	93kg	21
12	Haruto SUGISAKI	178cm	90kg	22
13	Andrew HAYWARD	186cm	96kg	21
14	Aporosa DERENALAGI	188cm	86kg	22
15	Fuma NAKAMURA	170cm	73kg	21

** Player to watch **

Kai SASAKI, 172 cm, 81 kg, 21 years old. He is a graduate of Jyosho Gakuen High School. As an attacking SO, he is the leader of Ryutsu Keizai University’s attack this season.  He played a close game against Tokai University, the champion of the Kanto University League group for six straight years, and was involved in the championship game. He shows an aggressive attack centering on his own run play. The team has high expectations for Ryutsu Keizai University to achieve its best ever performance in the University Championship.

Next, let us introduce our opponent, The University of Tsukuba Rugby Club.

This club made it to the top four in the University Championship last season, and is expected to make great strides this season. University of Tsukuba and Ryutsu Keizai University’s campuses are located close to each other, and the two teams often play each other close, perhaps because they know each other’s game well through practice matches. This season, the team has a strong starting lineup that includes five members of the Japanese high school national team.

The starting lineup for this match is as follows.

Tsukuba University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Ryosei OTSUKA	174cm	95kg	23
2	Hayate HIRAISHI	178cm	100kg	21
3	Masato TANAKA	182cm	107kg	22
4	Tomonosuke SHIROMARU	185cm	105kg	19	U18 Japan
5	Shuntaro ISOBE	190cm	110kg	19
6	Kodai Sean YOKOMIZO	187cm	90kg	21
7	Kenkichi YANAGAWA	188cm	100kg	22
8	Hayata TANIYAMA	184m	95kg	22	U18 Japan
9	Yutaro TAKAHASHI	172m	74kg	20	U18,U20 Japan
10	Kanjiro NARAMOTO	177cm	84kg	19	U18 ,U20Japan,JJ
11	Ryota OHATA	175cm	75kg	21
12	Kai HAMASHIMA	176cm	75kg	22
13	Kento IIOKA	183cm	83kg	19	U18 Japan
14	Toshiki KUROSAWA	173cm	80kg	22
15	Tasuku MASUYAMA	177cm	82kg	19
					JJ=Junior Japan

** Player to watch **

Kanjiro NARAMOTO. 177 cm, 84 kg, 19 years old. A graduate of Higashi Fukuoka High School, he has been selected for Japan’s U18, U20, and Junior Japan national teams, and possesses the wide tactical vision, unmatched kicking accuracy, and individual breakthrough ability required of a SO.

Let the matches begin. Kick-off for the first match of the day was at 11:30.

8 minutes into the first half:

Ryutsu Keizai University started the game with a series of attacks, mainly by the FWs, in the enemy territory, producing a near try. However, in front of the enemy in-goal, they were fouled and missed a scoring opportunity.

In response, University of Tsukuba scored a try from a scrum near the centre of the ground, with No.8 TANIYAMA making a gain on the right side, and from there, the ball was spread wide to the left side, from CTB IIOKA to FB MASUYAMA, who scored a try in the middle left of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 0-7.

CTB IIOKA, who assisted the first try, is a member of this season’s much-talked-about Golden Generation of Rugby.

17 minutes into the first half:

Ryutsu Keizai University greatly outweigh Tsukuba University in terms of the average weight of their FWs, and show strength in contact play, but they are unable to mount a sustained attack due to a slightly high number of penalties. When Tsukuba attacked in this period, they were fouled deep in their own half, and a PG was scored by Tsukuba SO Naramoto, giving up three points.

21 minutes into the first half:

Ryutsu Keizai University had missed scoring opportunities up to this point due to a series of unnecessary infringements, but this time around they used their strength in set plays to their advantage and attacked deep into enemy territory, eventually scoring a try by FL Shinozawa in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, leaving the score 5-10.

25 minutes of the first half:

Shortly after the counter-attack, Ryutsu Keizai University committed another infringement and conceded a PG to Tsukuba University. This was scored by University of Tsukuba’s SO Naramoto, making the score 5-13.

28 minutes into the first half:

WTB DERENALAGI picked up the ball after being forced into his own half, and from there he dived past the opposition defense for a big gain and penetrated deep into enemy territory. From there, they used the strength of their individual contact to close in on the opposition in-goal, with FL SHINOZAWA scoring his second try of the day in the middle right of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, leaving the score 10-13.

38 minutes into the first half:

University of Tsukuba’s tactic for the day was to avoid set pieces and use the ground widely to develop their game. In contrast, Ryutsu Keizai University took on a contrasting style of play, starting with set plays, particularly scrums, and using the strength of individual contact to break the deadlock. The two sides scored points against each other in a match that was full of highlights and thrilled the crowd. Then, Ryutsu Keizai University scored in the closing stages of the first half. They continued to use contact play to push forward, and in the end, No. 8 TISILELI scored a try just below the goal post with a powerful move that saw two University of Tsukuba defenders fly over the line.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and Ryutsu Keizai University successfully reversed the score to 17-13.

42 minutes into the first half:

After the turnaround, Ryutsu Keizai University committed another foul immediately afterwards, giving Tsukuba University the opportunity to score a PG. This was steadily converted by University of Tsukuba’s SO Naramoto to end the first half with the score at 17-16 to one point.

The last time these two teams met in the University Championships, it was a close match, and this time it seemed like a similar story. A good match is expected in the second half as well.

1st minute into the second half:

The two teams kicked each other soon after the start of the match, with University of Tsukuba FB MASUYAMA counter-attacking from deep in his own half after a University of Ryutsu Keizai kick. MASUYAMA then rode at top speed and, after shaking off a succession of pursuing Ryutsu Keizai University defenders, scored a try in the middle left of that in-goal in enemy territory.The conversion goal after the try was also successful and the score was 17-23 to the University of Tsukuba.

17 minutes into the second half:

The visitor team had a number of set piece opportunities in this period, and on each occasion, Ryutsu Keizai University pushed University of Tsukuba in front at the scrum, and closed in on the opposition in-goal. When they had a lineout opportunity in front of the in-goal, they secured the ball, formed a maul and went close to the in-goal at once.At this point, Tsukuba University committed an infringement by deliberately collapsing a maul, resulting in a certified try for Ryutsu Keizai University, and the score was 24-23 to Ryutsu Keizai University, giving them a one-point lead. The University of Tsukuba’s prop Tanaka was temporarily sent off for 10 minutes for this foul.

18 minutes into the second half:

A dense battle at the restart drew a foul on Ryutsu Keizai University, giving them a PG opportunity, which SO Naramoto converted to make the score 24-26.

27 minutes into the second half:

Ryutsu Keizai University were outplayed by Tsukuba University in a densely contested battle and were forced into their own in-goal after a series of infringements. From a lineout on their own ball, Tsukuba University surged forward in a maul and went in for a try, but Ryutsu Keizai University defended well and prevented a try. However, the University of Tsukuba’s FW repeated a side-attack in a dense battle immediately afterwards, and scored a try in the middle on the left.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 24-33 to Tsukuba University’s nine-point lead.

38 minutes into the second half:

With time running out, the game was at a stalemate. The visitors had to get to within seven points at least early on, or they would be unable to mount a comeback, given the time remaining. Here, Ryutsu Keizai University opted for a PG after a foul by their opponents, and SO SASAKI, despite being downwind, aimed a 40-metre PG, which he successfully completed.

From the kick-off after Tsukuba University’s PG, Ryutsu Keizai University counter-attacked and No.8 TISILELI made a big gain and got into Tsukuba University’s territory, but in the remaining time, Tsukuba University skillfully consumed time and the game was over. As a result, University of Tsukuba won the match and advanced to the quarter-finals.

The two schools congratulated each other on their good performance.

Next, the second match of the day was Waseda University vs Hosei University.

Every year, I think, there are more than 40 minutes between the first and second games, and if you are watching two games in a row in the middle of winter, you are exposed to the north wind for almost five hours in a row, which is cold.

Let me now introduce the two schools that will play in the second match.

First, let’s talk about Waseda University Rugby Club.

This season, Waseda University finished third in the Kanto University Rivalry Group, losing to Teikyo University and Meiji University. However, the matches they lost this season were close defeats, and last season they came from third place in the Kanto University Rivalry Group to runners-up in the University Championship, so we expect them to bounce back from this. Today’s opponents, Hosei University, are the same type of team who play with the ability to develop their BK, so we expect a good match.

This day’s starting line-up is as follows.

Waseda University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Airou SUGIMOTO	179cm	112kg	20	U19 Japan
2	Kenji SATO	177cm	108kg	20
3	Taiga KAWASAKI	171cm	108kg	20
4	Daito HOSOKAWA	182cm	102kg	22
5	Daiki IKEMOTO	186cm	105kg	21
6	Naoto YASUTSUNE	172cm	98kg	20
7	Hitoshi NAGASHIMA	178cm	96kg	22
8	Kanji MATSUNUMA	177m	93kg	19	U18 Japan
9	Shota SHIMIZU	171m	70kg	21
10	Rentaro HISATOMI	172cm	83kg	22
11	Shuho FUKUSHIMA	183cm	92kg	20	U18 Japan
12	Kengo NONAKA	180cm	95kg	20	U18 ,U20Japan
13	Soma OKAZAKI	177cm	91kg	21
14	Yoshitaka YAZAKI	180cm	86kg	19	U18,U20 Japan
15	Daisuke ITO	179cm	88kg	22	U18 Japan

** Player to watch **.

Yoshitaka YAZAKI. 180 cm, 86 kg, 19 years old. Born in Toin Gakuen High School. Position = FB, WTB. U18, U20 Japan national team. Japan Rugby Golden Generation leader. As a first-year high school student, he was already a regular player at Toin Gakuen High School, which won the national championship, and also won a regular position at Waseda University as soon as he entered the school. His speed, tactical awareness and contact play are outstanding for a player of his age group. He is a player who is expected to make the national team in the near future.

Next, I would like to introduce the Hosei University Rugby Club.

Hosei University qualified for the University Championship this season by finishing third in the Kanto University League group.

The team boasts the highest number of victories in the Kanto University League Group with 13 championships. The team also won the University Championship in the 1965 and 1992 seasons. However, in recent years the team’s results have been poor and it has been six years since they have qualified for the University Championship. The team’s style of rugby is oriented towards running rugby, with the BK playing a wide role.

This day’s starting line-up is as follows.

Hosei University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Ryota YOTSUMOTO	169cm	102kg	22
2	Kugo ISHIKAWA	168cm	93kg	21
3	Meishi WATANABE	171cm	105kg	21
4	Kanta HOSOKAWA	184cm	103kg	19
5	Riki TAKEBE	186cm	111kg	21
6	Takenori YAMASHITA	170cm	85kg	22
7	Kohki MIYASHITA	186cm	105kg	19	U20Japan
8	Kiichi TAKAGI	186cm	100kg	22
9	Kazuma YAMAWAKI	170cm	73kg	21
10	You KIM	175cm	84kg	21
11	Shuji SHIIBA	173cm	80kg	23
12	Taisei TANAKA	176cm	85kg	20
13	Shun NAKAI	172cm	84kg	21
14	Rei ISHIOKA	177cm	80kg	22	U18 Japan
15	Takuru KITAGAWA	170cm	82kg	20

** Player to watch **

Shuji SHIIBA. 173 cm, 80 kg, 23 years old. He is a graduate of Hyuga High School in Miyazaki Prefecture.

Although he did not participate in any national tournaments in high school, he was a hard-working player who won a regular place at Hosei University, which is full of fast-footed athletes.This season, he is the BK leader at Hosei University. He is a decisive WTB who makes his presence felt on the scoresheet. He will be looking to accumulate as many wins as possible as he enters his final year.

Let the matches begin. Kick-off for the second match was at 14:00.

In the early stages of the match, Hosei University’s inconsistent set play gradually allowed Waseda University to gain ground. They were pushed in scrums and contact play, and gradually made headway. Then, from a lineout near the enemy in-goal, Waseda University pushed forward in a maul and hooker SATOH scored a try in the middle on the right. The conversion goal after the try was missed. The score was 5-0.

13 minutes into the first half:

Waseda University scored a PG to make the score 8-0. Both Waseda and Hosei played quick, spread-out rugby, using the whole ground, but Waseda was quicker in the cluster. As a result, most of the match was played in Hosei University’s camp.

24 minutes into the first half:

Hosei kicked the ball deep into enemy territory, Waseda University passed the ball from right to left, the ball was passed to Waseda University WTB YAZAKI in the right corner and he dashed to the top, overtook the Hosei defenders one after another with just his speed and ran over 70m without letting them touch him, scoring a try in the enemy in-goal.

Hosei University’s BK players also boasted speed, but Waseda University’s YAZAKI showed impressive speed that did not deter them at all. The conversion goal after the try failed, and the score was 13-0.

28 minutes of the first half:

Waseda University’s WTB YAZAKI was again mesmerising here. Unencumbered by the right WTB position, YAZAKI appeared to appear and disappear when on the attack. From a dense battle in Hosei University’s ranks, he received a pass from a FW side attack and accelerated from a stationary position to score a try in the middle on the left.

He moves so fast that the camera can’t keep up with him. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 20-0.

31 minutes into the first half:

The game became a one-sided game for Waseda University and Hosei University had extremely few opportunities to have the ball. Hosei University were not being pushed too far in terms of individual contact, but Waseda University were clearly quicker in gathering and dispersing players in dense areas, gradually closing in on the in-goal and finally Waseda University’s SO HISATOMI scored a try in the middle left of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful and the score, 27-0.

Waseda University then scored one try, one goal and one PG in the first half to end the first half with a 37-0 margin.

Looking back at the first half, Hosei University did not make a single save against loose balls in dense battles. This is a bit of a stretch, but it is thought that Waseda University were the first to get to a dropped ball in any phase of the game, which meant that Hosei University were not allowed to make any saves. Both teams play development-oriented rugby, so it was no wonder that the points gap was so wide if they were always on the back foot against even ball. In the second half, I expect Hosei University to rally.

Let’s get the second half underway.

Perhaps the coach gave them a hard time at half-time, Hosei University started to stop losing the ball carelessly. In the first scrum of the second half, they pushed Waseda University repeatedly, causing Waseda University to break the scrum and concede an infringement. Also, in the 9th minute of the second half, Hosei University FB KITAGAWA slipped behind the Waseda University defensive net, and for the first time in the match, the crowd cheered Hosei University’s play.

19 minutes into the second half:

Hosei University started to show more tenacity in attack and defense, and the game started to get more interesting, but Waseda University still showed their strength in close quarters battles, and gradually attacked deep into enemy territory from a series of attacks. WTB FUKUSIMA scored a try in the left corner of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, but Waseda University scored the first points of the second half. The score was 42-0.

27 minutes into the second half:

Perhaps inspired by Hosei University’s attacking fervour, Waseda University went on the offensive again here. From the kick-off after the try, the teams were locked in a tight battle, and a Hosei infringement led to a scrum on Waseda’s own ball. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 49-7.

37 minutes of the second half:

Waseda University came within a whisker of the enemy in-goal with a series of attacks. However, a knock-on infringement at this point resulted in a scrum in Hosei University’s favour. From this deep position, Hosei University moved to the left and FB KITAGAWA kicked the ball. Hosei WTB SIIBA dribbled the ball, which rolled into the enemy’s in-goal, and held it himself for a try. The conversion goal after the try failed and the score was 49-12.

Looking at the second half of the match alone, Hosei University and Waseda University were evenly matched. The fans who came to see the match on this day would have expected the two sides to bring out the best in each other. In this respect, Waseda University could be said to have shown the difference in experience from their consecutive appearances in the University Championships.

41 minutes into the second half:

From the kick-off after the Waseda’s try, the visitors broke into the opposition line and a scrum ensued, but Waseda prop KAMEYAMA, who took over at this point, was able to push through, giving the visitors a reprieve from their poor start to the second half. The scrum drew a collapsing infringement from Hosei University, which led to a penalty kick and a lineout on their own ball. From there, Waseda University pushed forward in a maul and hooker Shimizu scored a try in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. Time ran out at this point and Waseda University won with a final score of 54-12.

As the University Championship is a tournament format where a loss is the end of the tournament, Waseda University will now face Kyoto Sangyo University, the number one ranked team in the Kansai League, in the quarter-finals. Hosei University’s season came to an end with this loss.

The first match of the day’s University Championships was a close and exciting affair, and the second match was not a close one in terms of score, but the loser, Hosei University, showed their strength in the second half, giving all concerned hope for the coming season. The next round of the championship is to be looked forward to.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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Toshiba Brave Lupas vs Shizuoka Blue Revs

(Written by Azul: December 21, 2023)

On December 9, 2023, the new season of Japan’s professional rugby league, League One, began. I visited Tokyo Stadium (Ajinomoto Stadium), the main venue for RWC 2019, to watch the game.

Here are the teams participating in this season’s League One.

First, Division 1

2022-23	League One Order　(Division 1)
ranking	team
1	Saitama Wildnights
2	Kubota Spears
3	Tokyo Sungoliath
4	Yokohama Eagles
5	Tokyo Brave Lupas
6	Toyota Verblitz
7	Shizuoka Blue Revs
8	Black Rams Tokyo
9	Kobe Steelers
10	Sagamihara Dynaboars
12	Hanazono Riners
New	Mie Honda Heat

Introduced by last season’s standings, the lineup for Division 1 is as shown above. Green Rockets Tokatsu, who finished 11th last season, was relegated to Division 2 after losing in the replacement round, and Mie Honda Heat was promoted from Division 2 to replace them.

Next, let us introduce the participating teams in Division 2.

order	team
New	Green Rockets Tokatsu
1	Urayasu D-Rocks
3	Toyota Shuttles AICHI
6	Kamaishi Seawaves RFC
New	Kyushu Denryoku Kyuden Voltecs
New	Red Hurricanes Osaka

Kyuden Voltecs and Red Hurricanes Osaka were promoted from Division 3.

The final five teams in Division 3 are as follows

order	team
New	Hino Red Dolphins
New	Shimizu Kensetsu Koto Blue SHARKS
3	Kurita Water Gash Akishima
4	Sky Active Hiroshima
5	Chugoku Denryoku Red Reglions

The Red Dolphins and Koto Blue Sharks are relegated from Division 2.

The Red Dolphins was relegated due to team misconduct, so for this season only, there will be a three-team changeover in Division 2.

As this is the year of the RWC, each team will be looking to increase their attendance figures in the wake of the fervor of the event. Last season, attendance in Division 1 ranged from 3,000 to 4,000 for each game, excluding playoff games. Each team has a goal of 10,000 spectators per game, but to achieve this goal, the games must be rich in content. This season, League One has 59 players who represented their countries at RWC 2023. Expectations are high for the matches I will be watching today.

Anna Asano, MC of J SPORTS TV, which broadcasts all League One matches, appeared on the field for this match. There was loud cheering from the stands.

It was clear that today’s match was drawing a lot of attention.

Let me introduce the two teams that will be playing today.

First, let me introduce the home team, Toshiba Brave Lupas.

Last season, they finished 5th out of 12 teams, narrowly missing the playoffs. The team’s style is traditionally to break through head-on with force, with a strong front line. This season, New Zealand national team member Richie MOUNGA(SO) and Shannon FRIZELL(FL) have joined the team adding depth to the attack. Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

TOSHIBA Brave Lupas
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Sena KIMURA	175cm	105kg	24
2	Mamoru HARADA	175cm	101kg	24
3	Taufa LATU	183cm	120kg	25
4	Warner Dearns	202cm	123kg	21	Japan 11caps
5	Jacob Pierce	201cm	106kg	26
6	Shannon Frizell	195cm	108kg	29	New Zealand  33caps
7	Takeshi SASAKI	180cm	101kg	26
8	Michael Leitch	189cm	113kg	33	Japan 72caps
9	Yuhei Sugiyama	169cm	76kg	26
10	Richie　MO’UNGA	176cm	83kg	29	New Zealand  44caps
11	Atsuo KUWAYAMA	183cm	92kg	26
12	Taichi MANO	173cm	87kg	26
13	Seta TAMANIVALU	189cm	112kg	30	New Zealand  5caps
14	Jone Naikabula	177cm	95kg	29	Japan 4caps
15	Takuro MATSUNAGA	172cm	82kg	25

＊＊　Players to watch　＊＊

Richie MOUNGA, 176cm, 83kg, 29 years old, has 44 caps for NZ and was the best SO in the world at RWC 2023, and Japanese fans are lucky to see him in his prime in Japan. In addition to his superior basic skills as a SO, he has the speed and penetration to cut through opposing teams when he sees an opening. This season, Brave Lupas has added a new weapon to their offensive arsenal.

Next, I would like to introduce today’s Visitor Tam, the SHIZUOKA Blue Revs.

Last season, they placed 7th out of 12 teams. The team’s style is to show unparalleled strength in the scrum, the set play of the FW. With their physical strength to run until the end of the game, which is produced by their daily intense practice, they show their strength in the latter half of the game. They are a very troublesome team for opponents. Their team spirit of never giving up until the last minute of the game is what attracts the hearts of their supporters.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

Shizuoka Blue Revs
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kazuhiro KWADA	172cm	102kg	27
2	Takeshi HINO	172cm	100kg	33	Japan 5caps
3	Heiichiro ITO	175cm	115kg	33
4	Eisin KUWANO	193cm	112kg	29
5	Murray DOUGLAS	198cm	115kg	34
6	Yuya Odo	187cm	104kg	33	Japan 5caps
7	Takuma SHOJI	182cm	100kg	24
8	Malgene ILAUA	187cm	107kg	30	Japan 7cap
9	Yuki YATOMI	176cm	82kg	38	Japan 16cap
10	Kenta IEMURA	176cm	93kg	22
11	Malo TUITAMA	182cm	91kg	27
12	Viliami TAHITUA	183cm	102kg	32	Tonga 9cap
13	Sylvian MAHUZA	179cm	82kg	30
14	Futo YAMAGUCHI	167cm	76kg	23
15	Charles PIUTAU	186cm	95kg	32	NZ17caps, Tonga 1cap

＊＊　Players to watch 　＊＊

Kenta IEMURA is 176 cm, 93 kg, 22 years old. He is a graduate of Kyoto Sangyo University. He joined the Blue Revs last season and is quickly finding his place in the team. His accurate place kicking, precise decision making, and solid playing style are the main weapons of the Blue Revs. We look forward to seeing if his performance this season can lift the team to the championship contention.

Let the games begin. Kickoff was at 14:35.

2 minutes into the first half:

Brave Lupas attacked deep into the enemy territory, and after a series of attacks on the right edge of the field, Brave Lupas took a big step to the left to create a numerical advantage, and CTB TAMANIVALU scored a try in the left corner of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, and Brave Lupas took the lead, making the score 5-0.

9 minutes into the first half:

The Blue Revs were held up by their opponents in the early stages of the game, but they showed their solid game with steady set pieces. After a penalty kick for a foul by the opponents, the Blue Revs got a lineout deep in the enemy territory and put together a maul to advance. In the end, ILAUA (No.8) scored a try in front of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the Blue Revs turned the score to 5-7.

16 minutes into the first half:

In this period, Blue Revs won the ball and attacked continuously with solid connection, not letting go of the ball easily. Then, when they were close to the enemy’s in-goal again, they formed a scrum on their own ball, pushed their opponents forward, and finally, No.8 ILAUA scored his second try of the day. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 5-14, Blue Revs leading by 9 points.

21 minutes into the first half:

Brave Lupas again showed aggression, but at the crucial moment, they made a handling error and failed to score.

Blue Revs’ SO IEMURA kicked deep into enemy territory, and Brave Lupas tried to counter-attack, but was denied by a foul in front of their own goal post. The Blue Revs then opted for a PG, which SO IEMURA converted to make the score 5-17.

25 minutes into the first half:

Brave Lupas was a little outclassed, but WTB KUWAYAMA was mesmerizing. In a series of attacks in enemy territory, KUWAYAMA received the ball, broke through the opposing defense, and stepped past the defenders in front of him to score a try to the left. Brave Lupas was able to fight back, scoring 10-17, despite a missed conversion goal.

30 minutes into the first half:

Brave Lupas started their attack from the center of the field, and after a move to the right, the ball was passed to NAIKABURA, the right WTB, who dodged three Blue Revs defenders and scored a try on the right side of the goal post. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and Brave Lupas tied the score 17-17.

38 minutes into the first half:

The Blue Revs broke out of their own half behind the defense and almost scored a try, but it was blocked three meters in front of the in-goal. Immediately afterwards, the Brave Lupas FWs made a vertical charge through the enemy line and connected with the ball to advance to the in-goal area. From there, Brave Lupas’ BKs moved to the left, creating a numerical advantage, and CTB TAMANIVALU scored the try in the left corner of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed, and the score was 22-17, again with Brave Lupas leading the score.

42 minutes into the first half:

Brave Lupas committed an infringement in their own territory near the end of the first half, and the Blue Revs opted to go for the PG. The Blue Revs chose to go for the PG. The distance was about 50 meters, and there was an angle, but SO IEMURA scored it beautifully to end the first half. The score was 22-20 in favor of Brave Lupas. The two teams were evenly matched, making for a spectacular opening game.

Compared to last season, both teams have grown noticeably, and we can expect a lot of excitement from LEAGUE ONE as a whole this season. Hopefully, we will be able to attract more spectators as befits this heated game. The attendance for the day was 11,553.

Our immediate goal would be to exceed the attendance record immediately after RWC2019.

Let’s start the second half.

2 minutes into the second half:

It was the Blue Revs who scored the first score of the second half. SMITH, the captain of the team, came on at No.8 in the second half, and he ran into a dense crowd and immediately drew a Not Release the Ball foul from the opposing team. The SO IEMURA, who had a 100% goal success rate on the day, successfully converted it into a PG to put the Blue Revs up 22-23.

15 minutes into the second half:

The two sides clashed with each other’s willpower and showed each other’s strengths, making this a very spectacular match. Brave Lupas broke the deadlock after a few minutes of intense play, with Brave Lupas going close in their own box and both teams’ forwards exchanging blows. The SO MOUNGA kicked a pass to the right corner, where WTB NAIKABURA caught it and scored a try in the left corner of the in-goal.

Brave Lupas showed a new attacking pattern that was not seen last season.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 29-23, Brave Lupas was back on top.

18 minutes into the second half:

3 minutes later, Brave Lupas, with momentum on their side, had one of their newest players, flanker FRIZZELL, break through the opposing defense from the center of the field and score a big gain near the in-goal area. FRIZZEL, an active All Blacks player with 33 caps for the New Zealand national team, showed his ability to score tries. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 36-23.

25 minutes into the second half:

At this point in the game, Brave Lupas was starting to take the lead, but the Blue Revs were not to be outdone, and their fighting spirit was ignited. After entering the enemy camp, the Blue Revs made steady progress, moving left and right, and approached the opponent’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 36-30, with the Blue Revs trailing by 6 points.

29 minutes into the second half:

The Blue Revs were up by 6 points at the 29th minute of the second half, but it was Brave Lupas’ WTB NAIKABURA who scored the final try of the game. The ball was received on the right side of the field and rolled behind the defense, where he ran in, picked up the ball, and scored his fourth try of the day in the middle of the opposition’s in-goal, NAIKABURA’s versatility as a WTB and, above all, his decisiveness in scoring tries, have improved dramatically since his full participation in RWC 2023.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 43-30. Despite the loss, the Blue Revs kept the game exciting until the end of the match, and the crowd cheered them on. With a series of games like this, League One could be on par with the best national leagues in the world this season.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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