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Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath vs Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars

(Author: Azul, February 7, 2023)

In its second season, Japan Rugby League One started on 17 December 2022 and reached its sixth round on 29 January. Here are the League One First Division standings so far.

2022-23	League One Order	2023.1.29
ranking	team	Win	Lose	Even	WP	GD
1	Saitama Wildnights	6	0	0	25	77
2	Kubota Spears	4	2	1	20	115
3	Tokyo Brave Lupas	4	2	0	20	100
4	Tokyo Sungoliath	4	1	0	19	88
5	Yokohama Eagles	3	1	2	17	89
6	Sagamihara Dynaboars	3	1	1	15	-3
7	Toyota Verblitz	2	4	0	10	-37
8	Kobe Steelers	2	4	0	10	-18
9	Black Rams Tokyo	2	3	0	8	-21
10	Green Rockets Tokatsu	1	4	0	4	-96
11	Shizuoka Blue Revs	0	4	1	4	-31
12	Hanazono Liners	0	6	0	1	-243
	WP=Winning Point
	GD=Goal Difference

Last season’s champions, Wild Knights, have been consistently strong this season and are in provisional first place.

The weakest side are the bottom-placed Liners, who have lost all six of their games, all but one of which were heavy defeats. In particular, their defence was in a state of collapse.

In contrast, Dynaboars, another team promoted from the second division, have done quite well, beating last season’s top teams Bravelupas and Verblitz. This is a great achievement and the eye of the typhoon this season.

I went to watch the match between Tokyo Sungoliath and Sagamihara Dynaboars on 29 January this time. The venue for this match was the Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Minato Ward, Tokyo.

As for the weather conditions on the day, the temperature was 8 degrees Celsius at the 14:30 kick-off. It was a home game for Sungoliath.

As you would expect from a popular team, Sungoliath drew a large crowd when they played at Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground – for a League One first division team match, the approximate crowd for each match is around 5,000, but on this day, the attendance was 7,018.

Immediately after RWC2019, the event boasted a popularity that saw every match almost fully booked, but three years later, the popularity of the event has slightly declined. If the Japanese national team performs well at this year’s RWC 2023, there is a possibility that popularity could rise again.

The Visitor Team of the day, Dynaboars, also had a tent where fans gathered.

It is very cold to watch the game in the middle of winter, so on this day I watched the game in the back stand, where the sun shone during the game.

Let me introduce the two teams playing this day.

First, an update on the home team, Tokyo Sungoliath.

Sungoliath finished second in League One last season, but they have the firepower to win the championship again this season. Every year, the team attracts promising players from strong universities and the player pool is so thick that even star players who have a shot at the national team have a hard time getting into the game. This season, too, promising star players have joined the team. Introduced on this day were.

1) Mikiya TAKAMOTO – from Teikyo University. Position = SO, and was the best player in this season’s University Championships.

2) Masahiko SAGARA – from Waseda University. Position = FL; captain of Waseda University, which reached the final of this season’s University Championships.

(3) Soshi Ohga – from Meiji University. Position = prop. One of the leading props of this generation.

(4) Vunilagi SAIMONI. from Daito Bunka University. International student from Fiji who is expected to make an immediate impact.

The starting line-up for the day is as follows.

Suntory Sungoliath
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kenta KOBAYASHI	181cm	112kg	23
2	Shunta NAKAMURA	178cm	100kg	28	Japan　0cap
3	Shinnosuke Kakinaga	180cm	115kg	30	Japan　11cap
4	Tui Hendrik	188cm	110kg	35	Japan　47cap
5	Harry HOCKINGS	206cm	118kg	24
6	Kanji SHIMOKAWA	188cm	105kg	23	Japan　0cap
7	Kai YAMAMOTO	177cm	98kg	22
8	Tevita TATAFU	183m	124kg	26	Japan　14cap
9	Naoto SAITO	165cm	73kg	25	Japan　10cap
10	Aaron CRUDEN	175cm	82kg	33	New Zealand  50cap
11	Tevita Li	182cm	95kg	27
12	Ryoto Nakamura	181cm	92kg	30	Japan　30cap
13	Shogo NAKANO	186cm	98kg	25	Japan　5cap
14	Seiya Ozaki	175cm	85kg	27	Japan　4cap
15	Kotaro MATSUSHIMA	178cm	88kg	29	Japan　46cap

** Player to watch **.

Harry HOCKINGS. 206 cm, 118 kg, 24 years old from Australia. Position = lock. An irreplaceable player in Sungoliath’s squad. He is an international class player in terms of size, and at only 24 years of age, he is a young, injury prone and central player in the Sungoliath lineout. He has the potential to make the national team in the near future.

Next up is an update on visiting team Dynaboars.

No experts expected Dynaboars to be among the top contenders this season, having been promoted from League One’s second division to the first this season. There have been no significant reinforcements this season and many fans felt threatened by the departure of Michael LITTLE, a key player who had been the team’s mainstay until last season. However, once the season started, the team defeated one opponent after another, whom they had never beaten before. This season, Dynaboars have become the typhoon of League One. Hopefully, they can keep this momentum going until the end of the season.

The starting line-up for the day is as follows.

Dynaboars
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shunsuke SAKAMOTO	180cm	107kg	24
2	Yoshimitsu Yasue	176cm	109kg	38	Japan 2cap
3	Mototsugu HACHIYA	180cm	115kg	24
4	Makoto Daniel Linde	195cm	110kg	35
5	Epineri URUIVITI	196cm	122kg	25
6	Sam Chongkit	198cm	108kg	27	Japan 7th
7	Kohki SATO	178cm	96kg	27
8	Jackson Hemopo	195cm	112kg	28	New Zealand  5cap
9	Kota Iwamura	182cm	87kg	29
10	James SHILLCOCK	178cm	88kg	25
11	Alaia’sa Solarorand	177cm	94kg	27
12	Fisipuna TUIAKI	188cm	105kg	27	JAPAN 7th
13	Matt Vaega	179cm	94kg	28
14	Tomoyuki OCHIAI	185cm	95kg	28
15	Kazuki Ishida	173cm	85kg	27	WORLD SELECTION

** Players to watch **.

James SHILLCOCK. 178 cm, 88 kg, 25 years old, from England. He started the season on the bench as a reserve SO, but when he came on in place of main SO Matt TOOMUA, he secured his place with his accurate kicking. He is accurate on long and short PGs and his contested kicks with long dwell time make him a threat to the opposition.

Now, the match is about to begin.

From the very start of the match, the Dynaboars’ energetic advances were noticeable. They drove hard from the kick-off and had a scoring opportunity just beyond the opposition 22m line. Here, the Dynaboars launched a series of attacks that lasted for a total of 21 phases without any infringements. However, Sungoliath’s defence was also outstanding in not allowing a score here. In the end, Sungoliath won the ball back and survived the early pinch.

16 mins of the first half:

Sungoliath deployed from near halfway and connected with WTB LI, who quickly advanced and attacked deep into enemy territory. Sungoliath looked to have taken the lead, but a video decision ruled the try was disallowed due to an infringement. However, the Dynaboars were also fouled for offside, giving Sungoliath the right to a PG almost in front of the goal post, 20 metres out. This was scored by Sungoliath’s SO CRUDEN to make the score 3-0.

34 minutes into the first half:

Dynaboars made several advances deep into enemy territory but inevitably failed to score in-goal. When you keep missing scoring chances, the game turns to your opponents, and this happened again in this match.

Sungoliath got off to a good start from a 5m scrum in front of their own in-goal, made a gain on the right and then took a big step to the left, where CTB NAKAMURA’s kick-pass was caught by WTB LI, who showed great speed and ran into the middle right of the opposition in-goal for the try. Sungoliath ended up running nearly 100 metres at a stretch. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 10-3.

37 mins into the first half:

In a tight battle immediately after the kick-off following Sungoliath’s try, the Dynaboars had a PG opportunity following an infringement by their opponents, which was scored by SO SHILLCOCK to make the score 10-6.

40 minutes into the first half:

This time Sungoliath made a series of attacks in enemy territory and their first try chance was blocked by the Dynaboars. However, shortly afterwards, from a scrum on the right edge in front of the enemy in-goal, Sungoliath developed to the left and WTB LI was caught as he dived past two enemy defenders to close in on the in-goal. Here, a tight battle ensued, and Sungoliath secured the ball, which was then rolled out to the left and prop KOBAYASHI, running in from behind, scored a try in the middle on the left. The conversion goal after the try was also successful and Sungoliath ended the first half with the score 17-6.

Looking back at the first half, the Dynaboars were successful in playing in opposition territory for much of the half. However, from there, they were unable to stop Sungoliath’s counter-attacks, especially WTB LI, and allowed several Big Gains, which led to the loss of points.

If the Dynaboars had opted to play all PGs when their opponents committed infringements in opposition territory, the score would have been 50-50. That was the way we fought in the previous section, so it was a bit close, in my opinion, although it was a bit of a result.

Now let’s start the second half.

1 minute into the second half:

After a kick-off by Sungoliath, the ball was caught by Dynaboars who kicked it back. It was caught by Sungoliath’s SO CRUDEN, who stepped from it, dodged a couple of opposition defenders and went close to the opposition in-goal. He then passed to CTB NAKANO, who followed up from behind in front of the in-goal, and NAKANO went into the enemy in-goal and scored a try in the middle left. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 24-6.

Sungoliath quickly outscored the Dynaboars with tries at the end of the first half and early in the second half.

From this point on, Sungoliath’s attacking power exploded.

7 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath scored a PG.

9 mins into the second half:

Sungoliath FB MATSUSHIMA picks up a spilled ball as the Dynaboars entered enemy territory and counter-attacked from deep in their own 22m right edge. MATSUSHIMA scored a try in the middle right of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 34-6.

17 minutes into the second half:

It was during this period that the Dynaboars finally scored their first try, after an infringement by their opponents, a PK gave the Dynaboars their own lineout on the left edge of the enemy in-goal. From here, a series of attacks developed and after 10 phases, a try was finally scored by replacement WTB BEDWELL-CURTIS at the right end of the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 34-13.

24 minutes into the second half:

Dynaboars lock URUIVITI was sent off for 10 minutes for a dangerous tackle. Immediately afterwards, Sungoliath had a lineout of their own deep on the enemy’s right flank. Here, Sungoliath moved forward in a maul attack and hooker NAKAMURA went straight over for a try in the middle right.

The conversion goal after the try failed, making the score 39-13.

27 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath attacked a maul on the left side of the enemy 22m line, which was then extended to the right, where Sungoliath substitute CTB MORIYA rolled in an excellent golo punt into the enemy in-goal, which was held by No.8 TATAFU for a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 46-13.

41 mins into the second half:

Towards the end of the match, Sungoliath made a series of attacks deep in enemy territory. The Dynaboars showed some dogged defence and after 16 phases of successive attacks, Sungoliath substitute WTB KAWASE scored a try in the left corner of the opposition’s in-goal. In the second half of each of the last three matches, Kawase showed his decisiveness by scoring tries in three consecutive matches.

The conversion goal after the try failed, leaving Sungoliath as the winners of the match with a final score of 51-13.

Sungoliath lost their opening game, but have since come into their own with five consecutive wins. In the next round, the Fuchu derby against Tokyo Brave Lupath is scheduled.

In contrast, the Dynaboars, who lost today, will host the Kobe Steelers at home in the next round – can the Dynaboars hold on?

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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Teikyo University vs Waseda University

(Author: Azul, January 29, 2023)

The National University Rugby Championship has finally reached its final. So far, only two schools have survived. Teikyo University, last season’s champions, and Waseda University, who lost in the quarter-finals last season. Coincidentally, both schools belong to the Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group, and this season was the second time they faced each other in an official match.

The last time the teams met was on 7 November, when the final score was 49-17, a complete victory for Teikyo University in terms of content.

Waseda University, having been completely defeated in the FW game, could hardly attack and lost to Teikyo University with a score difference of more than 30 points.

Two months later, Waseda University reached the final of the University Championship after winning close matches against teams with stronger FW than themselves, Toyo University, Meiji University and Kyoto Sangyo University. Will Waseda University be able to humiliate Teikyo University in this day’s match?

Let me now introduce you to the latest news from both teams.

First, an update on Teikyo University.

Teikyo University started the University Championship with a 50-0 win over Doshisha University in their first match. In the semi-finals, they faced Tsukuba University, and although they conceded a try to Tsukuba University in the first half of the match, they were able to keep the score one-sided after that, with the final score of 71-5, a record-breaking victory in the history of the University Championships.

Teikyo University’s opponents in the final, Waseda University, are expected to attack in the same way as Tsukuba University, so Teikyo University’s players must be getting a feel for how to respond.

Here is the Teikyo University starting line-up for the day.

Teikyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota TAKAI	171cm	112kg	22
2	Hayate ERA	171cm	100kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
3	Taro UESUGI	176cm	113kg	20
4	Takuma MOTOHASHI	194cm	116kg	20
5	Masahiro ERIGUCHI	186cm	108kg	22
6	Keito AOKI	187cm	110kg	20
7	Akito OKUI	177cm	103kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
8	Shuto NOBUHARA	182cm	100kg	20	U-18 JAPAN
9	Kumusu LEE	174cm	80kg	20
10	Mikiya TAKAMOTO	172cm	82kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
11	Tomu TAKAMOTO	182cm	88kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
12	Chihiro MATSUYAMA	173cm	88kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
13	Kanji FUTAMURA	180cm	88kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
14	Shinya KOMURA	180cm	92kg	20
15	Taiki YAMAGUCHI	176cm	83kg	21

Teikyo University has been a constant member of the team since the University Championship except for FB TANINAKA, who was injured in the semi-final and had to sit out the match.

＊＊ Player to watch ＊＊

(Player on the right in the photo is TAKAI)

Shota TAKAI. 171 cm, 105 kg, 22 years old. Position = prop. Graduated from Jyosho Gakuen High School. Supports the scrum of Teikyo University, which boasts the No.1 student rank. Not only does he push in the scrum, but he is also a fast 50 m runner with a speed of 6.7 seconds. The front row of the scrum is supported by a giant of a man weighing over 100 kg, who can run freely and is a threat to the opposing team.

Next, an update on Waseda University.

Since entering the University Championships, Waseda University has won a series of games against opponents boasting powerful FWs. However, it is not possible to strengthen the scrum all at once in a short period of time, so Waseda University’s basic strategy for the Teikyo University are as follows.

(1) Develop the ability to withstand being pushed in the scrum to the extent that they do not collapse.

(2) Compete and win in a tight battle.

(3) Use the ground widely and launch a series of development attacks.

Waseda University’s traditional style of play is development rugby, but in the semi-finals, Tsukuba University used the same tactics, but suffered a heavy defeat when their defence was broken down. Waseda University’s leaders saw this, so it is thought that they will add some kind of innovation.

Waseda University’s starting line-up on the day was as follows.

Waseda University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota IMOTO	165cm	98kg	22
2	Kenji SATO	177cm	108kg	20
3	Shotaro KAMEYAMA	176cm	115kg	20
4	Tomoki MAEDA	179cm	103kg	22
5	Daiki IKEMOTO	186cm	105kg	20
6	Masahiko SAGARA	180cm	99kg	21
7	Bunsuke KURITA	183cm	110kg	19
8	Jingo MURATA	185m	102kg	20
9	Masanori MIYAO	165m	70kg	20
10	Daisuke ITO	179cm	85kg	21	U18 Japan
11	Reo MATSUSHITA	183cm	93kg	21
12	Ko YOSHIMURA	175cm	84kg	22
13	Soma OKAZAKI	177cm	89kg	21
14	Eito MAKI	175cm	88kg	22	U18 Japan
15	Satoshi KOIZUMI	178cm	86kg	22

＊＊ Player to watch **.

Ko YOSHIMURA. 175 cm, 84 kg, 22 years old. He is a graduate of Higashi Fukuoka High School. In the semi-final, YOSHIMURA scored a PG in a close game against Kyoto Sangyo University, which boasts a strong FW, and was able to win because of his ability to keep the game close. In the final against Teikyo University, it is extremely difficult to score a try against the staunchly defensive Teikyo University, but it is possible to induce infringements by the opposition when deep in enemy territory. YOSHIMURA will need to play a vital role if Waseda are to defeat the reigning university champions, Teikyo University.

Let’s kick off the final match.

2 minutes into the first half:

Waseda University drops the ball just after the kick-off. This allowed Teikyo University to attack deep into enemy territory at once. As the game was just getting underway, Waseda’s defenders had plenty of strength, but Teikyo University did not miss this great scoring opportunity. Teikyo University attacked down the right flank from a series of attacks, with SO Takamoto using his individual skills to fend off four or five men and score the first try in the middle on the right. He also scored the conversion goal himself after the try, making the score 7-0 to Teikyo.

11 minutes into the first half:

Waseda University again were crossed their own 22m line and were attacked by Teikyo University, but they managed to escape the difficulty by winning the ball back in front of goal.

After a brief scramble for the ball, Teikyo committed an infringement and were finally able to penetrate deep into enemy territory. This led to a scrum, but Teikyo University’s scrum was so strong that Waseda University had to re-group several times. Waseda University managed to hold on to this own ball scrum and deployed the ball. Waseda’s first attack saw CTB OKAZAKI make a gain, which led to a tight battle, from where the second attack took place, SO ITO received the ball and drew some opponents to him, WTB MAKI ran in from the opposite side, broke through Teikyo University’s defence and scored a try right under their goal posts. He scored an important try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful and Waseda University tied the score 7-7.

17 minutes into the first half:

After the try, Teikyo University kicked off and again Waseda missed a catch, allowing Teikyo to launch a series of attacks deep into enemy territory. Teikyo University deployed the ball to the left and as they attempted to make further progress, Waseda University’s WTB MAKI made a strong tackle, causing Teikyo University to drop the ball unexpectedly. Waseda University’s SO ITO picked up the ball and kicked it deep into enemy territory. The Teikyo University BK ran back to secure the ball and tried to kick it out, but Waseda University lock MAEDA charged and the ball rolled into the Teikyo University in-goal, but Teikyo University managed to hold the ball and escape the danger.

Teikyo University then again attacked into Waseda’s territory, but Teikyo University committed an offside infringement here, giving Waseda University a chance to take the ball deep into enemy territory and have a lineout of their own.

Waseda University showed the sign play they had been preparing for at this point. From the lineout on the right side, the ball was spread to the left and passed from the hooker to SO ITO, who threw a long pass to WTB MATSUSHITA, who ran to the left edge of the lineout and scored a try in the left corner of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 7-12 to Waseda University. The crowd cheered loudly, and it was only at this time that it became clear that Waseda University had a large number of fans.

22 minutes into the first half:

From the kick-off immediately after Waseda University’s try, Teikyo University continued to attack in the Waseda camp. Occasionally, they regained the ball densely and tried to kick their way into the opposition’s territory, but as a result, Teikyo University gradually made progress in Waseda’s ranks. Once Teikyo University crossed the enemy 22m line, they let their breakthrough FW players have the ball and approached the opponents’ in-goal. Finally, flanker AOKI leapt over the Waseda defenders just below the goal posts to score a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 14-12 and Teikyo University took the lead again.

27 minutes into the first half:

In a scrum in the centre of the ground, Waseda University were infringed for collapsing the scrum. Here, Teikyo University’s SO TAKAMOTO advanced his side deep into the opposition 22m line from the PG. From here, from a lineout on their own ball, Teikyo University moved to the left and No.8 NOBUHARA easily slipped in the ball and scored a try right under the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 21-12.

40 minutes into first half:

From the earlier try, Waseda University held firm and did not allow Teikyo University to score any more points until the end of the first half. Waseda University came close on several occasions, but their decisive passes were blocked by Teikyo University’s defense.

Waseda University continued to attack into enemy territory, but a high punt upfield was contested and the ball was picked up by Teikyo University. From deep in their own half, Teikyo University went down the left flank and SH LEE connected with WTB TAKAMOTO, who then ran past the Waseda defenders and scored a try in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful and Teikyo University ended the first half with a score of 28-12, 16 points ahead of Waseda University.

At the end of the first half, Teikyo University had a big lead and were in control of the flow. However, Waseda University also put on a show on several occasions in the first half, and even managed to turn the tables once. Can Waseda get back into the game in the second half? Or will Teikyo University crush Waseda University as they did against Tsukuba University in the semi-finals?

The start of the second half.

3 minutes into the second half:

Early in the second half, Waseda University opted for a PG from a Teikyo University not-release-the-ball infringement slightly to the left of the enemy 10m line. This was a difficult position, more than 40 metres from the goal posts. Normally, at this point difference, the team would have opted for a penalty kick and gone for a try from a lineout deep in enemy territory. However, taking into account Teikyo University’s defensive performance in the first half, it was probably agreed within the team that they would go for a PG score if they were infringed, in enemy territory.

CTB YOSHIMURA succeeded in this, making the score 28-15.

6 minutes into the second half.

Around this time, Teikyo University players began to gradually overwhelm Waseda University in one-on-one contact play. Once Teikyo University entered enemy territory, each player made an advance and then made a series of attacks connecting passes to the next player. In response, Waseda University’s defence could no longer keep up and finally Teikyo University prop UESUGI scored a try in the middle on the right side in-goal area. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 33-15.

8 minutes into the second half:.

Immediately after this try, Waseda University made a change of players and positions.

FB KOIZUMI replaced by NONAKA.

NONAKA moved to SO and SO ITO changed position to FB.

This formation was adopted to strengthen Waseda University’s attack after entering the University Championship. Teikyo University naturally knows this tactic in advance, so the focus will be on how they respond.

11 minutes into the second half:

The game resumes with Waseda University kicking off after a try. Waseda University knocked on and it was Teikyo University ball near the 10m line in the Teikyo University camp and Teikyo University developed from there and in the third attack, the ball was passed to SO TAKAMOTO. From there, Takamoto lifted a short punt and caught it himself. From there, he made a personal move with a pass dummy and other individual skills, and went all the way forward to score a try right under the goal posts. He also scored the conversion goal after the try himself, making the score 40-15 to Teikyo University.

18 minutes into the second half:

Teikyo University’s offensive and defensive pressure began to overwhelm Waseda University at this time.

At the set piece scrum, Teikyo University pushed in so hard that Waseda University could not get the ball out properly. Eventually, Waseda University managed to get the ball out, but when the ball was released, Teikyo University’s FL OKUI went to catch Waseda University’s SH MIYAO, where the pass was intercepted and Teikyo University’s OKUI scored a try in the middle right of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 47-15.

Teikyo University scored four more tries in the 24th, 30th, 35th and 40th minutes of the second half to take the score to 73 points, better than Tsukuba University in the semi-final.

In contrast, Waseda University scored one try in the 39th minute of the second half by WTB MAKI, who intercepted a Teikyo University pass in front of his own in-goal, but MAKI’s try was not a systematic attempt to break down the opposition, and there was no smile on his face after the try. However, Maki proved to be one of the fastest WTB of his generation.

The final score of the University Championship final was 73-20, with Teikyo University breaking the record for most points scored in a final.

The strength of Teikyo University this season showed a difference in strength, as if a team of university students and a team of professionals were playing against each other. The university champions, Teikyo University, have seen favourable conditions, with many high school students with excellent qualities joining the team every year. However, Meiji University and other universities with similarly talented material coming in seem to have a difference in terms of player development in that they are completely outclassed by Teikyo University. It is thought that the development of Japanese rugby will lead to the future development of Japanese rugby if universities other than Teikyo University compete with Teikyo University in friendly rivalry.

＊＊　Jersey collection 71　＊＊

2007 Rugby France replica jersey, second jersey from the 2007 RWC. Sold on Yahoo Auctions for ¥7,200. It is a new used item. If possible, I wanted to bid less than 4,000 yen, but the price went up due to a bidding war with other bidders. However, the market price of rugby jerseys has been rising recently, and jerseys that were previously sold for around 3,000 yen are now more than twice as expensive. For the sellers, this is a pleasant phenomenon, but for the buyers, it’s a bit tough!

Match 1: Kyoto Sangyo University vs Waseda University

Match 2: Teikyo University vs University of Tsukuba

(Author: Azul, January 16, 2023)

The University Rugby Championship reached its semifinals on January 2, 2023. The results of the quarterfinals (12/25), which preceded this one, are as follows

(1) Waseda University vs. Meiji University: 27-21

For the second year in a row, Waseda vs. Meiji, a matchup that divides the popularity of university rugby in two, was played in the quarterfinals. Last year, Meiji beat Waseda.　However　Waseda won the quarter final this season.

(2) Tsukuba University vs Tokai University: 20-17

Tsukuba University, ranked 5th in the Kanto University Rivalry Rugby group, and Tokai University, ranked 1st in the Kanto Intercollegiate League match Group, were pitted against each other, but Tsukuba beat Tokai in a crazy match.

(3) Teikyo University vs. Doshisha University: 50-0

For the second year in a row, the two schools met in the quarterfinals. After losing to Teikyo by a wide margin last year, all eyes were on Doshisha to see if they could make up for their loss, but Teikyo, the defending champion, came away with another convincing victory.

(4) Kyoto Sangyo University vs. Keio University: 34-33

　　Kyoto Sangyo University, ranked No. 1 in the Kansai University League, was challenged by Keio University, ranked No. 4 in the Kanto University Rugby Rivalry group.  Keio put up a strong fight, and the match was close, but Kyoto Sangyo University prevailed.

The University Championship semifinal match was held at the National Stadium in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

The pairings for the semifinals played on that day were as follows.

** Game 1: Kyoto Sangyo University vs. Waseda University

(Kansai University A League 1st place vs. Kanto University Rivalry Group 3rd place)

＊＊Game 2 : Teikyo University vs Tsukuba University 

(1st place in Kansai University A League vs 3rd place in Kanto Intercollegiate Tournament Group)

(1st place in Kanto University Rugby Rivalry group vs. 5th place in Kanto University Rugby Rivalry group)

Looking at the teams that made it to the semifinals this season, the strength of the Kanto University Rugby Rivalry group was noticeable. Of the four teams that made it to the semifinals, three were from the Kanto University Rugby Rivalry group, with only the defending champion, Teikyo University, showing any outstanding strength. The semi-finals and finals will be the highlight of the tournament to see which team will be able to prevent Teikyo University from winning again.

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

First, let me introduce Kyoto Sangyo University Rugby Club.

Kyoto Sangyo University won the Kansai University A League this season with an undefeated record. The results of this season’s matchups are as follows.

Date	Name		Name	score
9/18	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Kansei Gakuin University	69-19
9/25	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Setunan University	70-26
10/16	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Kansai University	99-15
10/30	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Ritsumeikan University	54-14
11/6	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Doshisya University	31-26
11/20	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Tenri University	29-22
12/3	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Kinki University	39-18
12/25	Kyoto Sangyou University	ｖｓ	Keio University	34-33

The Kyoto Sangyo University Rugby Club is characterized by its strength in contact play. It also traditionally has a reputation for strength in the scrum. In recent years, the team has invited former Japan national team SO Keizi Hirose and former Japan national team CTB Yukio Motoki to join the coaching staff, and has also been refining the decisiveness of the BK.

This day’s starting lineup were as follows.

Kyoto Sangyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Sanshiro NOMURA	177cm	103kg	22
2	Soonhong LEE	173cm	100kg	20
3	Ryu WATANABE	176cm	108kg	20
4	Solomone L. FUNAKI	186cm	115kg	20
5	Asaeli LAUSI	190cm	111kg	20	U18 Japan
6	Hayato FUKUNISHI	178cm	100kg	22	U18 Japan
7	Kosei MIKI	174cm	95kg	20	U18 Japan
8	Togo TAKAMOTO	172m	90kg	21
9	Asahi DOEI	170m	70kg	19
10	Hayato NISHINAKA	172cm	84kg	22
11	Hiroto NISHI	169cm	80kg	20
12	Kenta IEMURA	177cm	93kg	21
13	Ryosei TAKAI	176cm	82kg	21
14	Sione POLUTELE	184cm	110kg	19
15	Hayata TSUJINO	177cm	86kg	20

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Asaeli LAUSII. 190 cm, 113 kg. 20 years old. Position = Lock. Graduated from Japan Aviation Ishikawa High School. He is a native of Tonga and a member of Japan’s U-18 national team. He is a key player of Kyoto Sangyo University’s hard contact rugby team. When he gets close to the enemy’s in-goal, it takes two or three men to stop his rush. The winner of this match will depend on Waseda’s ability to stop this player at key points.

Next up is the Waseda University Rugby Team.

Waseda’s record so far this season are as follows.

Date	Name		Name	score
9/10	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Aoyama　Gakuin　University	38-8
9/18	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Tsukuba　University	23-17
10/2	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Nihon　Taiiku　University	102-0
10/23	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Rikkyo　University	31-7
11/6	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Teikyo　University	17-49
11/23	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Keio University	19-13
12/4	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Meiji　University	21-35
12/11	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Toyo　University	34-19
12/25	Waseda University	ｖｓ	Meiji　University	27-21

In this season’s the Kanto University Rivalry Rugby group, they were outplayed by the top-ranked schools, Teikyo and Meiji. However, since entering the University Championship, Waseda’s main players who had been out due to injury returned to the team, and in the game on 12/11, the team won a comeback against Toyo University, which, like Kyoto Sangyo University, has international students as the core of its strong frontline. Furthermore, in the match on 12/25, Waseda was able to defeat Meiji University, which had suffered a complete defeat in the match three weeks earlier. Waseda has clearly improved their team strength. Can they beat Kyoto Sangyo University, the Kansai area champion?

This day’s starting lineup were as follows.

Waseda University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Taiga KAWASAKI	171cm	106kg	21	U18 Japan
2	Kenji SATO	177cm	108kg	20
3	Shotaro KAMEYAMA	176cm	115kg	20
4	Tomoki MAEDA	179cm	103kg	22
5	Daiki IKEMOTO	186cm	105kg	20
6	Masahiko SAGARA	180cm	99kg	21
7	Bunsuke KURITA	183cm	110kg	19
8	Jingo MURATA	185m	102kg	20
9	Masanori MIYAO	165m	70kg	20
10	Daisuke ITO	179cm	85kg	21	U18 Japan
11	Reo MATSUSHITA	183cm	93kg	21
12	Ko YOSHIMURA	175cm	84kg	22
13	Soma OKAZAKI	177cm	89kg	21
14	Eito MAKI	175cm	88kg	22	U18 Japan
15	Satoshi KOIZUMI	178cm	86kg	22

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

(The player on the far left in the photo is Masahiko SAGARA.)

Masahiko SAGARA is 180cm, 99kg, 22 years old. He is the captain of the Waseda University rugby team. He was injured in the match against Keio University on 11/23 and returned to play in the University Championship match against Meiji University on 12/25. He is the spiritual pillar of Waseda and a key player in the FW. He also experienced the first place in Japan University Championship as a FL three years ago. Can they beat Kyoto Sangyo University and advance to the final of the University Championship?

Let the match begin.

Three minutes into the first half:

Waseda University kicked off to start the game. Kyoto Sangyo University developed from their own area, and Waseda’s defenders got involved and knocked the ball on. This led to a scrum in which Kyoto Sangyo University had the ball in their own territory. Kyoto Sangyo University has traditionally featured strong scrums, so a strong push was expected, but surprisingly it was Waseda University who pushed over. Kyoto Sangyo University was fouled here for intentionally collapsing the scrum. Here, Waseda’s CTB YOSHIMURA attempted a PG, but failed. The score was 0-0.

9 minutes into the first half:

Kyoto Sangyo University entered the enemy territory and gradually advanced with a series of attacks led by the two foreign student locks of LAUSI and FUNAKI. Then, at a great position 10 meters directly in front of the goalposts in the enemy territory, they drew a foul on Waseda University and had a PG opportunity. Kyoto Sangyo University’s SO NISHINAKA scored the first goal for Kyoto Sangyo University. The score was 3-0.

15 minutes into the first half:

Kyoto Sangyo University developed to the left from its own ball scrum and was caught by Waseda University’s defenders, where they formed a dense group, but Kyoto Sangyo University was infringed in the dense group.

Here, Waseda University opted for the PG. This time, the position of the PG was about 20 meters to the left, slightly off the goal post. Waseda’s CTB YOSHIMURA succeeded in this PG, and the score was tied 3-3.

20 minutes into the first half:

Kyoto Sangyo University had a chance to scrum for their own ball deep beyond the enemy 22m line due to a foul by the opponent. WTB Polutele, Kyoto Sangyo University’s leading scorer, took the ball out of the scrum, ran straight up the field, bounced off two opponents, and dragged them both over for a try in the middle of the enemy in-goal on the right. In this situation, Waseda University knew POLUTERE was going to rush in here, but they could not stop him. It was an impressive breakthrough. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 10-0.

23 minutes into the first half:

Kyoto Sangyo University was getting better and better. Kyoto Sangyo University’s WTB POLUTELE was again active 5 meters in front of the Waseda in-goal on the right side of the field. He dragged two Waseda defenders behind him and fell into the right center of the in-goal, but Waseda University stopped the grounding of the ball at the very last moment.

26 minutes into the first half:

At this time, Waseda University dominated the ball in a series of densely contested battles in the enemy territory. The ball was then deployed near the 10-meter line near the enemy’s left flank, and Waseda’s No. 8 MURATA dodged two Kyoto Sangyo University defenders and scored a try in the middle of the in-goal on the left side.

Waseda University also succeeded in scoring the conversion goal after the try, tying the score at 10-10. This game has become a seesaw game, with Kyoto Sangyo University scoring and Waseda University quickly regaining the lead.

30 minutes into the first half:

Waseda University did not let go of the momentum they had once gained. Kyoto Sangyo University attacked Waseda University near their own in-goal, but Waseda University picked up the spilled ball in a dense formation and connected through FW and BK, taking the ball 5m before the enemy’s in-goal at once. Waseda University formed a tight group from the lineout, and WTB MAKI ran into the side of the group and scored a try on the right side of the goal post to make the score 10-15. Waseda University succeeded in reversing the score. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 10-17.

First half 38 minutes into the first half:

Kyoto Sangyo University was able to get the ball in the hands of Waseda University in a tight battle for the ball, and a penalty kick was awarded after a foul by the opponent 30 meters from the goal post. The score was 13-17 when SO NISHINAKA of Kyoto Sangyo University scored.

The first half ended with the score at 13-17.

Both teams showed their strengths, and the game was a good contest between the best of the best. Expectations are high for what kind of tactics both teams will show in the second half.

2 minutes into the second half

From the start of the second half, the spirit of Kyoto Sangyo University was evident as the FW and BK worked in unison to pass the ball forward at every point of contact with Waseda University. With three meters to go, Kyoto Sangyo University’s lock RAUSI leaped over the Waseda defense and scored a try right in the middle of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and Kyoto Sangyo University was back on top again with the score 20-17.

10 minutes into the second half:

From the kick-off after the try, both teams kicked each other. Kyoto Sangyo University caught the kicked ball and tried to counter attack from their own area. Kyoto Sangyo University continued to make contact in the dense battle and gradually advanced. Then, in front of the goal post in the Waseda University camp, 25 meters away, Waseda University committed a Not Role Away foul, and Kyoto Sangyo University opted to go for the PG. Kyoto Sangyo University chose to go for the PG, and SO NISHINAKA of Kyoto Sangyo University made the PG to make the score 23-17, a six-point difference.

14 minutes into the second half:

Kyoto Sangyo University scored a series of goals and increased pressure at the point of contact, advancing again deep into enemy territory. Waseda University tried to kick their way out from deep in their own territory, but were unable to do so due to Kyoto Sangyo University’s kicking charges and other problems. Then, from a scrum deep in their own territory, Waseda University developed to the right and the ball was passed to Waseda University’s WTB MATSUSHITA, who was running along the side line. Kyoto Sangyo University’s defense caught MATSUSHITA for a moment, but MATSUSHITA shook it off and got behind the enemy defense. He then passed the ball to the SH MIYAO,who made a huge gain toward the enemy goal posts, and at the end, MIYAO dodged two chasing Kyoto Sangyo University defenders and scored a try on the right side of the enemy goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and Waseda University succeeded in making the score 23-24.

24 minutes into the second half:

Both teams began to show signs of fatigue, and minor mistakes became noticeable. Both teams launched a series of attacks, but in the process, it became noticeable that both teams were handing the ball over to their opponents due to mistakes. At this point, Kyoto Sangyo University drew a scrum collapsing infringement from Waseda University at the 10-meter line. At this point, Kyoto Sangyo University opted to go for the PG.

SO NISHINAKA scored. The score was 26-24, and Kyoto Sangyo University took the lead again.

27 minutes into the second half:

After a lineout in their own territory, Kyoto Sangyo formed a maul, and a knock-on foul was committed, giving Waseda University the right to attack. From there, Waseda University continued to attack, and SO Itoh used his individual skills to get past the Kyoto Sangyo University defense and scored a try in the middle on the left of the in-goal area. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 26-31.

Waseda University’s SO ITOH showed his U-18 JAPAN qualities with a sharp cut-in play in the opposite direction from his top speed.

Furthermore, in the 34th minute of the second half, Waseda University scored a PG to make the score 26-34, an 8-point difference. Considering the time remaining, it looked as if Waseda University would be able to run away with the game.

37 minutes into the second half:

In the final minutes of the match, both teams exchanged long kicks. However, NONAKA, who had come on as a substitute SO, made a tragic kicking error, and Kyoto Sangyo University had a chance to take the ball out on their left side near the Waseda University 22-meter line. This gave the momentum to Kyoto Sangyo University, which has three international students who can be strong breakthrough players. Kyoto Sangyo University connected the ball with an offload pass from lock LAUSI to another lock FUNAKI, and finally LAUSI dragged three opposing defenders to the right side of the goal post in enemy territory to score a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 33-34, with Kyoto Sangyo University within one point.

With about 2 minutes remaining, Kyoto Sangyo University was in a position to make a comeback if they could score a PG at the enemy’s ball. After a kicking battle between the two teams, Kyoto Sangyo University FB TSUJINO launched a counter attack, dodging 5 men with a divine step, only to commit a grievous knock-on foul. Finally, it was a scrum in Waseda University’s ball, and ITOH kicked it out to end the game. Waseda University won a close game, treading on thin ice at the end.

Waseda University will play in the finals with the winner of the second match of the semi-final.

This was followed by the second game of the day.

The pairings are

Teikyo University (Kanto University Rivalry Rugby group 1^st rank) vs.　

University of Tsukuba (Kanto University Rivalry Rugby group 5^th rank)

Now, let me introduce both teams.

First, let’s start with Teikyo University.

The winner of last season’s University Championship. This season, they will try to win the championship again.

Their records of this season are as follows.

	Teikyo University
Date	Name		Name	score
9/11	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Rikkyo University	88-0
9/17	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Aoyama Gakuin　University	52-0
10/2	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Tsukuba　University	45-20
10/16	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Nihon　Taiiku　University	129-6
11/6	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Waseda　University	49-17
11/20	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Meiji　University	29-13
12/3	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Keio University	39-18
12/25	Teikyo University	ｖｓ	Doshisya　University	50-0

Teikyo University is undefeated this season with 8 consecutive wins. All of their victories have come by overwhelming their opponents, and not a single game has been a hard-fought battle. Teikyo’s game plan is characterized by the fact that from the beginning to the end of the match, they go all out, and there is almost no time to cut corners. It will be interesting to see if any team will be able to prevent Teikyo from winning again this season.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

Teikyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota TAKAI	171cm	112kg	22
2	Hayate ERA	171cm	100kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
3	Taro UESUGI	176cm	113kg	20
4	Takuma MOTOHASHI	194cm	116kg	20
5	Masahiro ERIGUCHI	186cm	108kg	22
6	Keito AOKI	187cm	110kg	20
7	Akito OKUI	177cm	103kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
8	Shuto NOBEHARA	182cm	100kg	20	U-18 JAPAN
9	Kumusu LEE	174cm	80kg	20
10	Mikiya TAKAMOTO	172cm	82kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
11	Tomu TAKAMOTO	182cm	88kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
12	Chihiro MATSUYAMA	173cm	88kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
13	Kanji FUTAMURA	180cm	88kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
14	Shinya KOMURA	180cm	92kg	20
15	Kippei TANINAKA	178cm	78kg	22

＊＊　Players to watch　＊＊

Takuma MOTOHASHI is 20 years old, 194cm,116kg. He is a graduate of Kyoto Seisho High School. He has been a regular since his freshman year at Teikyo University, the reigning university champion. He is still growing in height, and if he continues to build a strong body, it is not impossible for him to make the long-awaited Japan national team player. However he is only a second-year student, he is expected to continue to play an active role and support Teikyo University in the future.

Next, let me introduce the University of Tsukuba University Rugby Club.

Tsukuba University’s record for this season is as follows.

	Tsukuba University
Date	Name		Name	score
9/11	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Meiji University	22-33
9/18	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Waseda University	17-23
10/2	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Teikyo University	20-45
10/16	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Keio University	12-16
11/5	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Aoyama Gakuin　University	38-14
11/19	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Rikkyo University	43-17
12/4	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Nihon Taiiku University	79-5
12/11	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Tenri University	50-22
12/25	Tsukuba University	ｖｓ	Tokai University	20-17

They gained University Championship, and have advanced to the semi-finals of the University Championship by defeating Tenri University, the second-ranked team in Kansai, followed by Tokai University, the first-ranked team in the Kanto University League Group. It can be said that the team has improved and won more and more as the season has deepened.

Today’s starters for the University of Tsukuba are as follows.

Tsukuba University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Yusaku KIHARA	176cm	108kg	22
2	Koki HIDA	178cm	104kg	22
3	Daisuke KURASAKI	179cm	105kg	21
4	Kenkichi YANAGAWA	188cm	100kg	21
5	Ryuto YAGISAWA	188cm	108kg	22
6	Kodai Sean YOKOMIZO	187cm	88kg	20
7	Kotaro NARAMOTO	171cm	92kg	22
8	Hayata TANIYAMA	184cm	95kg	21	U-18 JAPAN
9	Takuya SHIRAE	164cm	69kg	21
10	Kanjiro NARAMOTO	178cm	84kg	18	U-18 JAPAN
11	Naoki IMOARAI	171cm	83kg	21
12	Hinata HORI	173cm	80kg	20
13	So MATSUSHIMA	173cm	81kg	21
14	Ryo HAMASHIMA	175cm	70kg	19
15	Kenshin TAKADA	173cm	78kg	21

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Kanjiro NARAMOTO. 178 cm, 84 kg, 18 years old. He is a graduate of Higashi Fukuoka High School and a member of the U-18 Japan national team. He was selected as SO for this important match for Tsukuba University, even though he is a freshman. Moreover, the SO of his opponent, Teikyo University, is Takamoto, the No. 1 student SO. The ups and downs of this match will depend on NARAMOTO’s performance.

Let’s kick off the second semifinal match.

11 minutes into the first half:

Teikyo University is now attacking at full force as soon as the game starts. Therefore, if the opposing team is broken down from the first half, it will lead to a large number of scores at once. The tactic taken by Tsukuba University by this time was to avoid as much as possible to form a scrum, which is the set play that makes the most difference between Teikyo University and Tsukuba University.

One of Teikyo University’s winning tactics had been to dominate the scrum, draw infringements from their opponents, kick deep into the enemy territory for penalties, and from there, from the lineout, attack in a maul or deploy in a series of attacks to score more points.

However, Tsukuba committed an accidental offside foul early in the game, forcing the teams to scrum. Teikyo University kicked deep into enemy territory as planned, and from there secured the ball in the lineout. From there, Teikyo University failed to catch the ball, and a tight battle ensued, which Tsukuba won and escaped the initial pinch.

Tsukuba University’s strategy seemed to be to develop the game as they did in the match against Tokai University. In other words, the team attacked in a deployed manner throughout the match, and at the points of contact with the opponents, they fought in dense battles, and won the battles in order to advance. This tactic was based on the calculation that the team as a whole was competitive in terms of running ability.

However, although no points were scored, Teikyo University kept the game in Tsukuba’s camp from start to finish at that time, with Tsukuba University holding their own in front of their own in-goal.

The first goal was scored by Teikyo University. Teikyo University dropped a ball in a series of attacks around the enemy 22m line, but WTB Komura picked up the ball and cut in to score a try right in the in-goal, passing 4 to 5 Tsukuba defenders. SO TAKAMOTO also succeeded in scoring the conversion goal after the try, making the score 7-0 in favor of Teikyo University.

17 minutes into the first half:

Tsukuba University could calculate the score of their own ball against Teikyo University.

(1) Lineout for own ball

(2) A scrum with the ball on their own ball, and the No.8 quickly takes the ball out of play.

(3) Winning a tight battle in a dense.

The above strategies are possible. At the very least, Tsukuba University will be required to connect the ball won in this way with everyone running.

Tsukuba University entered the enemy territory from the kick-off after the try, and Teikyo University committed a Not Straight foul on a lineout throw-in around their own 22m line. At this point, Tsukuba University naturally chose to use their own lineout instead of a scrum, and secured the ball to deploy. When Tsukuba University’s SO Naramoto rolled a short punt, Teikyo’s prop committed an offside foul. Here, Tsukuba got a penalty kick, which gave them a lineout just in front of the enemy in-goal.

Tsukuba secured the ball at the lineout here, and moved forward in their own scoring pattern, a maul. Some of Tsukuba’s backs also joined the maul, and they moved further forward, but then Tsukuba moved to the left side, and the ball was passed to WTB IMOARAI on the left side.

IMOARAI dodged one Teikyo University defender and scored in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal.

Tsukuba University missed the conversion goal after the try, but the score was 7-5. Up to this point, the match progressed almost according to the original plan of Tsukuba.

25 minutes into the first half

Teikyo University made a series of attacks after entering the enemy territory, and came close to the in-goal. Teikyo University took advantage of this great scoring opportunity, and after several attempts to regroup, they finally scored a scrum try in the left center of the field. Teikyo University eventually scored a try from a scrum in the middle of the left field. The conversion goal after the try failed, but Teikyo University took a 7-point lead with the score 12-5.

34 minutes into the first half:

In order to break down the opponent’s day defense, Tsukuba University’s way of playing the game was to use a lot of kicks, mainly by their SO, NARAMOTO. He looked at the opponent’s formation and kicked the ball towards where his team could win and connect with the ball.

During this period, Tsukuba University’s kicks were flying where they were intended, but Teikyo’s handling after the kicks gradually improved. Teikyo’s SO TAKAMOTO found a hole in Tsukuba’s defense, ran into it, and connected the ball to flanker AOKI, who scored a try in the left center. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 19-5.

36 minutes into the first half:

Towards the end of the first half, Tsukuba University seemed to tire a little, and Teikyo University deployed the ball from deep in their own territory, and CTB FUTAMURA made a big gain, connecting with WTB TAKAMOTO, who scored a try at the left end of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 24-5.

37 minutes into the first half:

Teikyo University’s BK players became bolder and bolder, as if they thought the score had almost reached a safe zone. Even from deep in their own half, they stepped forward, dodged Tsukuba University players, and made gains at a dash. Teikyo University’s FB TANINAKA and SH LEE exchanged passes, and finally, SH LEE scored a try just below the goal post. Teikyo’s conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 31-5, 26 points ahead of University of Tsukuba in the first half.

42 minutes into the first half:

Tsukuba University, wanting to score somehow, brought their own scoring pattern at the end of the first half. After the kick-off, they attacked into the enemy territory and made a series of passes and advanced to the 22-meter line. There, they drew an offside foul from Teikyo University, resulting in a penalty kick. Tsukuba University kicked the penalty kick to the left side of the enemy line, near the in-goal. From the lineout in this position, they secured their own ball and tried to advance with a maul. However, the maul attack, which was Tsukuba University’s forte, was no longer working. The pressure from Teikyo University made the maul stuck, so Tsukuba University had no choice but to switch to a deployed attack. Teikyo University got the ball back in a tight battle, and Tsukuba University’s chance to score at this point of the game was gone.

Will Tsukuba lose by a large margin, or will they be able to come back in the second half of the match? We look forward to seeing Tsukuba University’s second half comeback in order to make the game more exciting.

Let the second half begin.

10 minutes into the second half:

Perhaps recovering from fatigue at halftime, Tsukuba University regained the momentum from the first half as the second half began.

After kicking deep into the enemy territory and turning to counter-attacks, the teams fought densely for the ball and attacked in succession. And they avoided to scrum. For Tsukuba University, it looked as if they had Teikyo University wrapped up in their own easy way, but it was always Teikyo University who had the ball and launched a series of attacks. In this war of attrition, Tsukuba did not allow Teikyo scoring until 10 minutes of the second half, when Teikyo University’s Lock Motohashi scored a try in the middle right of the in-goal in Tsukuba’s territory. After the try, the conversion goal failed, and the score was 36-5.

Immediately after the try, Teikyo University changed three players at once.

Hooker ERA → FUKUI

Lock MOTOHASI → ASUI

CTB MATSUYAMA → GOTO

Teikyo University’s strength also lies in their depth of players, and the players who came on in the second half were stronger than the starters. They are truly Impact Players.

14 minutes into the second half:

After the match resumed, both teams kicked each other again, and Tsukuba University tried a counter attack. However, University of Tsukuba’s No.8 TANIYAMA committed a knock-on foul. This allowed Teikyo University to get into the enemy territory, and got the chance to my-ball scrum, and Teikyo University pushed forward and won the scrum one-sidedly. Teikyo University’s CTB Futamura received the ball, accelerated quickly, shook off three opposing defenders, and scored a try right in the middle of the enemy’s in-goal.

Teikyo University also succeeded in scoring the conversion goal after the try, making the score 43-5.

From Teikyo University’s own ball scrum, as the game started, the overwhelming difference in power pushed Tsukuba University’s FW one-sidedly, making it impossible for the FW to back up the BK line, and as a result, powerful Teikyo University BK players ran all over the ground and scored a try in a short period of time. This is what Tsukuba University feared. Up until this time, Tsukuba University had been able to reduce the number of scrums, and the game had proceeded according to the original plan, but they still could not stop Teikyo University.

23 minutes into the second half:

Tsukuba University had a great scoring opportunity to attack from a lineout in front of the enemy goal after a foul by their opponents, but it was no longer enough for Teikyo University. Tsukuba could not make any progress, and Teikyo University turned over the ball in a tight battle. Teikyo University connected with a series of attacks and went deep into the enemy territory, and CTB Goto scored a try in the right center of the enemy in-goal at the end. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 50-5.

Teikyo University then scored in the 26th, 35th, and 38th minutes of the second half, making the final score 71-5, a victory by a wide margin. For Tsukuba University, it was a bitter experience, as Teikyo University came on to their game plan, but were completely overpowered in their strong points.

Teikyo University’s opponent in the final, Waseda University, is expected to challenge Teikyo University with a deployed attack, just like Tsukuba University in this match, but how will Waseda University stand up to Teikyo University, which shows no flaws in both FW and BK? We look forward to a good match worthy of the finals.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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Tokyo Sungoliath vs Kubota Spears

(Author: Azul, December 27, 2022)

On December 17, 2022, the 2022-2023 season of Japan Rugby League One began.

To kick off the season, let’s take a look back at the standings of the teams from last season: The League One standings for the 2021-22 season are shown in the table below.

2021-22	League One Order
ranking	team	Win	Lose	Even	WP
1	Tokyo Sungoliath	14	2	0	66
2	Saitama Wildnights	14	2	0	61
3	Kubota Spears	12	4	0	58
4	Tokyo Brave Lupas	11	5	0	53
5	Toyota Verblitz	10	6	0	46
6	Yokohama Eagles	10	6	0	45
7	Kobe Steelers	7	9	0	36
8	Shizuoka Blue Revs	5	11	0	27
9	Black Rams Tokyo	4	12	0	21
10	Shining Arks Tokyo Bay	4	12	0	18
11	Red Hurricanes Osaka	3	13	0	14
12	Green Rockets Tokatsu	2	14	0	14
	WP=Winning Point

After the league season ended, the top four teams played off.

• Play-Off Tournament

** Semi-Final

1)Tokyo Sungoliath vs Tokyo Brave Lupas: 30-24

(Winner: Tokyo Sungoliath)

2)Saitama Wildnights vs Kubota Spears: 24-10

(Winner: Saitama Wildnights)

** Final

Saitama Wildnights vs Tokyo Sungoliath: 12-18

(Winner: Saitama Wildnights)

As a result, the winner of League One for the 2021-2022 season was the Saitama Wildnights, who were undefeated in actual competition, with two losses in league play due to the new corona outbreak. The focus of League One will be on which team will beat the Wildnights.

The lower teams in Division One of League One then played the top teams in Division Two in a substitution match, with the following results.

	Promotion or Relegation Deciding Match
D1/D2
1St	Green Rockets Tokatsu	vs	Mie HONDA Heat		30-10
2nd	Mie HONDA Heat	vs	Green Rockets Tokatsu		24-22
Winner:	Green Rockets Tokatsu
1St	Shining Arks Tokyo Bay	vs	Sagamihara Dynaboars		25-33
2nd	Sagamihara Dynaboars	vs	Shining Arks Tokyo Bay		33-19
Winner:	Sagamihara Dynaboars

Note: The Kintetsu Liners, who finished first in Division 2, were automatically promoted to the next round. And as a result of the round-robin matches, the following teams were selected

Green Rockets Tokatsu, ranked 12th in D1, remained in D1, and Honda Heat, ranked 2nd in D2, was not promoted and remained in D2.

Sagamihara Dynaboars, ranked 3rd in D2, was promoted to D1, and NTT Shining Arcs, ranked 10th in D1, was relegated to D2.

The NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes, who finished 11th in D1, were relegated to D3 after their team was temporarily disbanded at the end of the season.

I then went to watch one of the first-round games of League One, Suntory Sungoliath (2nd place last season) vs. Kubota Spears, at Tokyo Stadium (aka Ajinomoto Stadium) in Chofu, Tokyo, on December 18.

Ajinomoto Stadium is the stadium where the opening match of RWC 2019 took place, so coming here reminds me of the frenzy I was in back then.

The following year, RWC 2023 will be held in France, so I believe that rugby will gradually become more popular in Japan. The number of paying visitors on that day was 10,842.

I would like to introduce both teams that will play today.

First, we would like to start with Visitor Tean, KUBOTA Spears.

They finished 3rd in League One last season, and this season, they are capable of winning the championship.

Spears’ slogan for this season is “Split Second. This slogan means to give one’s all in each and every moment.

Their 1st jersey is orange color, and the Spears supporters are called the Orange Army.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

KUBOTA
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kota KAISHI	172cm	102kg	28	Japan　1cap
2	Malkolm Marx	189cm	117kg	28	South Africa　57cap
3	Shoya MATSUNAMI	186cm	110kg	30
4	Ruan Botha	205cm	120kg	30
5	David BULBRING	199cm	113kg	33
6	Peter Labuschagne	189cm	106kg	33	Japan　14cap
7	Takeo SUENAGA	178cm	98kg	28
8	Faulua Maikisi	187cm	112kg	25	Japan　5cap
9	Shinobu FUJIWARA	171cm	76kg	23
10	Bernard Foley	182cm	89kg	33	Australia　75cap
11	Haruto KIDA	176cm	90kg	23
12	Harumichi Tatekawa	180cm	93kg	32	Japan 55cap
13	Sione Teaupa	183cm	97kg	30	Japan 3cap
14	Koga Nezuka	173cm	82kg	24	Japan　1cap
15	Gerhard Van Den Heever	192cm	102kg	33	Japan　5cap

As you can see from the table above, Spears has a strong FW, the No.1 team in League One in terms of average height and weight of FW. This season, the Spears are particularly focusing on strengthening their defense, aiming to play rugby with fewer goals scored.

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Bernard FOLEY. 182 cm, 89 kg, 33 years old. Australia national team cap 79. position = SO. selected for RWC 2015 and 2019. In his third season with the Spears, I expect him to combine well with his teammates to create a spectator-pleasing game.

Now, let us introduce Suntory Sungoliath, the home team of this game.

Last year, they finished second in League One. The meaning of the team name includes Sun=Sun and Goliath=Giant. The team’s slogan for this season is “SunGoliath Pride -All for Victory,” and they are aiming for their first championship in five seasons. The team’s style of play is explosive attack and thick defense. Last season, the team’s 577 total points was by far the highest of all the teams.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows

	Sungoliath
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Yukio MORIKAWA	180cm	112kg	29	Japan　2cap
2	Shunta NAKAMURA	176cm	105kg	28	Japan
3	KanNAKANO	177cm	108kg	25
4	Tom SAVAGE	197cm	118kg	33
5	Harry HOCKINGS	206cm	118kg	24
6	Koji IINO	190cm	110kg	28	Japan　1cap
7	Kai YAMAMOTO	177cm	98kg	22
8	Tevita TATAFU	183m	124kg	26	Japan　14cap
9	Naoto SAITO	165cm	73kg	25	Japan　10cap
10	Hikaru Tamura	175cm	80kg	29
11	Tevita Li	182cm	95kg	27
12	Keisuke MORIYA	185cm	93kg	28
13	Shogo NAKANO	186cm	98kg	25	Japan　5cap
14	Shota EMI	183cm	95kg	26
15	Kotaro MATSUSHIMA	178cm	88kg	29	Japan　46cap

＊＊ Player to watch　＊＊

Shogo NAKANO. 186 cm, 98 kg, 25 years old. Position = CTB. Japan national team 5cap. Graduated from Waseda University. He has international standard physique and speed, and is a promising star of Japan’s national BK team. He is a member of Sungoliath, a team that has a strong group of players, so he has had few opportunities to play at CTB, but this season, he will be responsible for Sungoliath’s progress as an unshakable CTB.

Let’s follow the match of the day.

7 minutes into the first half:

Sungoliath boasted the best attack in League One last season, and in the early stages of the match, Spears showed a defensive prowess that was no match for their attack. Spears showed a strategy of going for the PG once they got into the opposition’s territory and gained an infringement. In the 7th minute of the first half, Spears’ SO Foley scored the first PG from a position slightly to the right of the 10-meter line.

FOLEY followed this up with another PG in the 11th minute of the first half to make the score 0-6 in favor of Spears.

21 minutes into the first half:

The Spears’ orange wall stood in the way of Sungoliath’s best attackers in League One. Until this time, Sungoliath could not score, or rather, could not even cross the gain line due to Spears’ strong defensive network. This was a bit of a surprise.

Spears went deep into the enemy territory, and after a long pass from FB Van den Heever to WTB NEZUKA at the right end, NEZUKA scored a try in the right corner of the in-goal. The try was scored in the right corner of the in-goal. The conversion attempt failed and the score was 11-0, giving Spears a big lead.

25 minutes into the first half:

Sungoliath, perhaps thinking it would be difficult to get a try past the Spears’ defensive net, infringed on their opponents as they entered enemy territory and opted to go for the PG without hesitation. Sungoliath’s SO Tamura scored to make the score 3-11.

31 minutes into the first half:

Sungoliath, hoping to close the gap somehow, deployed from deep in their own territory, and WTB EMI tried to break through. However, as he got past a man, he was held by Spears prop KAISI and was penalized for not releasing the ball. The Spears elected to go for the PG, which the SO FOLEY converted to make the score 3-14.

35 minutes into the first half:

In the same position as in the first 25 minutes, Sungoliath got a PG and the SO TAMURA scored to make the score 6-14. However, Sungoliath fans expect a raging attack in every game, so this was a stressful game for them.

Spears has outscored Sungoliath in set pieces this season. In the scrums, Spears steadily pushed Sungoliath and put pressure on Sungoliath in the lineouts.

With the first half ending with this score, can Sungoliath regain momentum in the second half?

Let’s get the second half underway.

2 minutes into the second half

Spears started the second half by going deep into the opponent’s territory, pushing and winning at almost every point of contact against Sungoliath, and after a series of attacks, the ball was passed to Spears’ WTB KIDA on the left flank, who played off a Sungoliath defender and scored a try in the left corner of the opponent’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 6-21.

9 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath’s attack started to show their typical style. They entered the enemy territory and attacked in succession, with FB MATSUSHIMA making a big gain at the left site, and from there a dense battle ensued. No.8 TATAFU of Sungoliath accelerated quickly, overtook the pursuing No.8 MAKISI of Spears, and scored a try right under the goal post of the opponent’s in-goal. The stadium was abuzz with excitement as Japan’s national team players showed great effort at every turn. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 13-21.

The instantaneous acceleration of Sungoliath’s No.8 TATAFU was amazing. He is indeed the No.8 of the Japanese national team.

19 minutes into the first half:

Sungoliath tried to activate their attackers by breaking through their own line as well. But once again, Spears’ orange wall cut off Sungoliath’s attackers. Here, Spears had their own ball scrum deep in enemy territory, where they applied heavy pressure and drew a collapsing foul from Sungoliath. The SO FOLEY made the score 13-24 with a PG from the scrum.

24 minutes into the second half:

The teams kicked to each other, and when Sungoliath’s SO TAMURA had trouble handling the kick, he was caught by the Spears’ FW, and from the crowd that formed here, the Spears took the ball to the left. Spears’ SO FOLEY received the ball and, seeing a breakdown in the opponents’ formation, kicked to the left side of the opponents’ in-goal. This turned out to be an excellent kick pass to Spears’ left WTB KIDA, and KIDA scored a try in the left corner of the opponents’ in-goal.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 13-31 in favor of Spears. The WTB KIDA scored his second try of the day.

36 minutes into the second half:

Sungoliath, outnumbered on the scoreboard, made several attempts to break through the Spears defense, but each time their attacks were cut short by a bounce off the Spears flanks. Nevertheless, Sungoliath continued to push forward in the enemy territory, and came close to the opponent’s in-goal. On the right side in front of the enemy’s in-goal, Sungoliath got a scrum on their own ball, and at the moment the ball was released, FB OZAKI, who came in as a midway replacement, scored a try right in the middle of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 18-31.

KUBOTA SPEARS won the opening game of the season with a final score of 18-31, marking the first time in 18 years that KUBOTA has defeated SUNTORY. SPEARS, however, won today’s match, and the team’s improvement from last season has paid off, as they are now serious contenders to win the championship this season.

On the other hand, Sungoliath’s offensive power from last season hardly worked against SPEARS this season. It is thought that Sungoliath is greatly outclassed in physical ability. Will they be able to get revenge in the next rematch (April 22)?

＊＊　Jersey Collection 69　＊＊

This Sungoliath baseball shirt was distributed to the first 12,300 people in attendance at the SUNTORY Sungoliath’s opening game on December 18.

This shirt is a new experiment in that it also has the sponsor’s name on the back. I was able to get a free seat for 2,000 yen on this day, so I felt like I was getting a little something out of it. I also attended Sungoliath’s opening game last season, but there was no such service at that time, and I hope that the League ONE teams will expand such fan services to increase the number of rugby fans. I hope that the League ONE teams will expand these fan services to increase the number of rugby fans, and I believe that this will lead to the strengthening of the Japanese national rugby team.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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(Author: Azul, December 19, 2022)

On December 11, 2022, I went to watch the 3rd round match of the National University Rugby Championship held at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

The matches played on this day were

Waseda University vs Toyo University

(Kanto University Rivalry Rugby group 3rd place vs Kanto University League group 3rd place)

The Rugby University Championship has entered the third round, and the top-ranked schools in the major leagues have begun to play each other. This will be followed by intense tournament play until the finals on January 8. For each team, a loss in the championship match means the end of their season. We look forward to a heated and exciting match in every game as they aim for the top of the University Championships.

Now, let me introduce each team competing in the day’s matches.

First, let me introduce the visiting team, Toyo University.

This is Toyo University’s first appearance in the University Championship, and this season they have not only been promoted from the second division of the Kanto University League Group to the first division for the first time in 29 years, but have also advanced to the University Championship by defeating one strong school after another in the first division. In addition, three players were selected as one of the best 15 players in the Kanto University League Group. Every game this season for Toyo University has been a new history for the university.

Today’s starters are as follows:

Toyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Taiga Yamaguchi	168cm	106kg	21
2	Tatsuki TANINA	175cm	101kg	22
3	Makito ISHIKAWA	185cm	115kg	19
4	Lamin Dieng SAITO	185cm	102kg	22
5	Juan Oost HUYZEN	211cm	135kg	20
6	Vea TANIELA	183cm	120kg	22
7	Sho TANAKA	185cm	100kg	25
8	Shu UMEMURA	183m	100kg	21
9	Yusaku KANDA	170m	80kg	23
10	Fumiya DOBASHI	180cm	86kg	21
11	Kaito SUGIMOTO	170cm	75kg	20
12	Sho OHSHIMA	166cm	72kg	21
13	Shuta SHIGEMATSU	171cm	85kg	22
14	Maurice MARKS	180cm	85kg	21
15	Kohei TANAKA	183cm	91kg	21

＊＊ Player to watch ＊＊

Lamin Dieng SAITO. 185 cm, 102 kg, 22 years old. He is a graduate of Meguro Gakuin High School. Position = lock. Captain of Toyo University, which has made great strides this season. He is of Senegalese descent. He often makes his presence felt in the lineout by stealing the ball from his opponents. He is also an agile player who is as fast as a BK, and his pressure on defense makes him a threat to opposing teams. He was selected as one of the best 15 players in the Kanto University League group this season.

Next, let me introduce the home team, Waseda University.

In contrast to Toyo University, Waseda University is a regular participant in the University Championship. It has won the championship 16 times. This season, the team lost to Teikyo University and Meiji University, and finished in third place in the Kanto University Rivalry group. But they are aiming for their first university title in two years as they grow as a team in the University Championship. This season, injuries have been noticeable among the core players, but the team’s challenge will be to get their lineup back to full strength in order to win the championship.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows:

Waseda University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota IMOTO	165cm	98kg	22
2	Naoto YASUTSUNE	172cm	95kg	19
3	Shotaro KAMEYAMA	176cm	115kg	20
4	Shogo FUJII	180cm	100kg	21
5	Daiki IKEMOTO	186cm	105kg	20
6	Bunsuke KURITA	183cm	110kg	19
7	Hitoshi NAGASHIMa	179cm	95kg	21
8	Jingo MURATA	185m	102kg	20
9	Masanori MIYAO	165m	70kg	20
10	Kengo NONAKA	181cm	93kg	19
11	Reo MATSUSHITA	183cm	93kg	22
12	Ko YOSHIMURA	175cm	84kg	22
13	Soma OKAZAKI	177cm	89kg	20
14	Eito MAKI	175cm	88kg	22
15	Satoshi KOIZUMI	178cm	86kg	22

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Masanori MIYAO is a 165cm, 70kg SH. A graduate of Kyoto Seisho High School, he has been a regular SH player for the prestigious Waseda University Rugby Club since his freshman year. He has the ability to break through from the scrum to score tries with his agility and speed. His quick passing skills, which allow Waseda’s BK to expand in all directions, have been a lifeline for Waseda this season.

Let’s kick off today’s match.

As I expected before the match, Toyo University dominated the first half with their FW set pieces. They led their opponents into infringements in scrums and maintained their dominance in lineouts, especially with lock SAITO.

15 minutes into the first half:

Toyo’s strong FW gave them the upper hand, while Waseda pushed back with hard work on the defensive side of the field. Once Toyo got in front of the enemy’s in-goal, but Waseda got the ball back in a tight battle and kicked it back to the Toyo camp. From there, Toyo attacked again, this time to the right. The ball was passed from the densely-packed area to the SO and then to the CTB, who threw a pass. Waseda’s SH, MIYAO, who had read the flow of the pass, intercepted the ball, broke through behind the enemy defense, and scored a try right under the opponents’ goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and Waseda scored the first point, making the score 7-0.

Waseda scored a valuable try in a poor game.

28 minutes into the first half:

Toyo attacked continuously from their own line. Little by little, they made their way into the enemy territory. From there, they moved to the right and Toyo’s FB TANAKA broke through two opposing defenders and advanced forward at full speed, finally passing to Toyo’s SH KANDA, who scored a try in the middle of the enemy in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was tied 7-7.

39 minutes into the first half:

Toyo made progress through a set play by the FWs, who had the advantage in the first half after entering enemy territory. First, Toyo pushed their opponents forward in a scrum, and after being pushed in, Waseda couldn’t resist collapsing the scrum and were fouled. From here, Toyo opted for a penalty kick, which resulted in a lineout in front of the enemy in-goal. Toyo secured their own ball, and after a maul, they surged forward and scored a try by Toyo’s hooker TANINA. The conversion goal after the try was unsuccessful. The score was 7-12, and Toyo University succeeded in turning the score around.

The first half ended as it did, with Toyo University holding the upper hand going into the second half.

As predicted by the sports media before the match, Toyo University, with its equally powerful FWs, was a formidable opponent for Waseda, which had suffered complete defeat against the powerful FWs of Teikyo and Meiji in this season’s group of competitive matches. Against Toyo University, which was pushed into the game by set plays and has a decisive BK, it will be interesting to see how they will recover in the second half.

Let us begin the second half. Waseda made a player change at the start of the second half, replacing hooker YASUTUNE with SATO. SATO, who was injured in the match a week ago, was introduced to try to rebuild the set piece.

3 minutes into the second half:

Waseda, wanting to score first in the second half, BK deployed to the left near the center of the ground. The Toyo defenders tackled and stopped them, and FL TANIELA went to steal the ball from a downed Waseda player, where he drew a foul from Waseda. Toyo’s SO DOBASHI took the penalty kick that he earned here and kicked it out to a position just before the enemy’s in-goal, a great kick. Toyo secured their own ball from a lineout, then moved forward in a maul, and hooker TANINA scored his second try of the day.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and Toyo succeeded in increasing the score difference to 7-19.

6 minutes into the second half:

The tide of the game was turning in Toyo’s favor. From the kick-off after the try, Waseda entered the enemy territory, and from a scrum, the ball was passed to the SH from No.8, where CTB YOSHIMURA got close to the ball, shifted his timing, and received the ball. This allowed YOSHIMURA to get behind the enemy defense and score a try right under the goal posts. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 14-19 to Waseda, pulling the game back to the other side.

10 minutes into the second half:

Waseda made a player change at this point, replacing KOIZUMI at FB with ITOH, who had been a key player in Waseda’s BK, but was making his first appearance in this match due to injury. Now, it was going to be a test to see if ITOH could be the catalyst for Waseda.

11 minutes into the second half.

Waseda had a scrum on the right side of the field, just inside the enemy territory, where they pushed past Toyo and won a penalty kick. This was the first time Waseda had beaten Toyo in a scrum in this match. The change of hooker to SATO paid off.

18 minutes into the second half:

Waseda was now able to go toe-to-toe with Toyo in the scrum. Waseda was able to supply the ball smoothly to BK from the scrums and gradually started to advance in the enemy territory. Then, in front of the goal posts in the enemy territory, WASEDA drew an infringement from their opponents and gained the right for a PG. CTB YOSHIMURA scored to bring Waseda within 2 points, 17-19.

26 minutes into the second half.

Waseda was now able to provide a steady supply of ball in the scrums, allowing them to make full use of the wide expanses of the ground in a series of attacks. The ball was spread from the right end to the left end and then to the right end again, and finally passed to WTB MAKI, who scored a try at the right end of the in-goal of the enemy line.

Waseda finally got back on top with a successful conversion goal to make the score 24-19.

33 minutes into the second half:

Waseda was able to spread the ball more freely and had more time to attack in the enemy’s territory. Toyo could no longer cope with Waseda’s speed. Waseda’s left WTB MATSUSHITA ran to the right side of the field, received the ball, and shook off the Toyo defenders to score a try in the right corner of the enemy in-goal. Waseda also succeeded in scoring the conversion goal after the try, pulling the score to 31-19.

42 minutes into the second half:

With only a few minutes remaining, Toyo tried their best to attack, but their attacks were too few and far between, and they could not get out of their own half. As the horn sounded for the last play, Waseda had a PG opportunity in front of the goal post in enemy territory. Waseda’s CTB Yoshimura converted it to make the final score 34-19 in favor of Waseda.

Waseda will now face Meiji University in the quarterfinals of the University Championships on December 25. Can Waseda University humiliate Meiji and advance to the semi-finals of the championship?

Despite the loss in this match, Toyo University added a new record to the University Championship and the history of their alma mater, not only returning to the first division of the Kanto University League group for the first time in 29 years, but also making their first appearance in the University Championship. Their success must have touched the hearts of many rugby fans, not just those associated with Toyo University. We hope to see them again on the championship stage next season. Thank you for Toyo University Rugby Club.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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(Author: Azul,, December 10, 2022)

The third round of the National University Rugby Championship will begin on December 11. The schools competing in this season’s championship are as follows.

＊ Kanto University Rivalry Rugby Group　A  Top 5 Schools:.

Teikyo University, Meiji University, Waseda University, Keio University, Tsukuba University

＊Kanto University League group Top 3 schools :

Tokai University, Ryutsu Keizai University, Toyo University

＊Kansai University A League Top 3

Kyoto Sangyo University, Tenri University, Doshisha University

＊Kyushu Student Rugby League 1st

Fukuoka Institute of Technology

＊Hokkaido Tohoku Regional Representative 1 school

Hachinohe Gakuin University

＊Tokai, Hokuriku, Chugoku-Shikoku area representative 1 school:

IPU University of the Pacific Rim

Prospects for this year’s University Championships:  

It will be interesting to see if last season’s university champion, Teikyo University, can win the championship again. In all of their matches in the Kanto University Rivalry Rugby Group　A, they were unbeatable in every match, and won all of their games.

The first candidate for the upset is Kyoto Sangyo University, which played the only game last season that was a close match with Teikyo University. The level of each game in this year’s Kansai League was high, so expectations are high.

The results of the first and second rounds of this season’s University Championship were as follows:

1st round: Fukuoka Institute of Technology vs. Hachinohe Gakuin University: 57-0

(Fukuoka Institute of Technology won and advanced to the second round.)

2nd round; IPU University of the Pacific Rim vs Fukuoka Institute of Technology: 25-31

(Fukuoka Institute of Technology won and advanced to the third round.)

The difference between the schools in each league is determined by the results of past university championships. In last year’s championship, two schools from Kanto University Rivalry Rugby Group　A made it to the finals, so this season’s university championship has qualified the most schools, five.

Let’s take a look at the pairings for the third round of the championship.

(1) 12/11 Doshisha University vs Fukuoka Institute of Technology

(Venue: Hanazono Rugby Ground – Kansai League 3rd vs. 2nd round winner)

Highlights of this match:

Doshisha University had a bad first half of the season, losing to lower-ranked opponents, and at one point looked like they were out of the running for the championship. If Doshisha University wins this game, they will face Teikyo University, whom they completely defeated last year, but they are likely to have a better game against Teikyo University this season as they have improved in the second half of the season.

First, however, will they be able to dispatch Fukuoka Institute of Technology, who have advanced past the second round.

(2) 12/11 Tenri University vs Tsukuba University

(Venue: Hanazono Rugby Ground – Kansai League 2nd vs Kanto University Rivalry Group 5th)

Highlights of this match:.

Tenri University, the university champion from the year before last, showed a nearly even match against Kyoto Sangyo University, the champion of the Kansai region this season. Tenri University will be looking to improve on last season’s result. If Tsukuba University can match Tenri in the FW game, a good match can be expected. However, if Tenri can push Tsukuba in set pieces, Tsukuba will have a hard time.

(3) 12/11 Waseda University vs Toyo University

(Venue: Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground – Kanto University Rivalry Rugby Group　A 3^rd vs Kanto University League Group 3rd)

Highlights of this match:

This is expected to be one of the most interesting matches of the day. The key to the match will be the lineout, and whether Waseda can attack the wall created by Toyo University’s 211cm lock, HUYZEN. Also, will Waseda be able to stop the rush of Toyo University’s powerful FW, led by its international students? Waseda will be taking countermeasures well in advance of the match, so this will be a match not to be missed from the early stages.

(4) 12/11 Ryutsu Keizai University vs Keio University

(Venue: Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground –

Kanto University Rivalry Rugby Group　A 4th

vs Kanto University League Group 2nd)

Highlights of this match:

The focus of this match will be on whether Keio can hold off the powerful attack of Ryutsu Keizai University’s FW, as no team in the Kanto University Rugby Group has attacked with a powerful international student this season. However, Keio did manage to stave off some of Teikyo University’s powerful FW in last week’s match, so we expect a close match.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊

(Author: Azul,, November 30, 2022)

The various university rugby league matches have reached their climax, and each university is now competing hard to qualify for the University Championships. This time, I went to watch the de facto final match between Teikyo University and Meiji University in Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group A. The venue was Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground in Minato-ku, Tokyo.

The first match was between Hitachi Sun Nexus and Clean Fighters Yamanashi in the Top East League, the fourth division of adult rugby, and the second match was between Teikyo University and Meiji University in Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group A. The attendance was 6,737, which was not bad. However, judging from the turnout, most spectators wanted to see the second match between Teikyo and Meiji University.

In the case of a Top East League match, there is no TV broadcast, and there is almost no magazine coverage. It was probably planned by the Kanto Association and combined with a university match.

The photo above shows the Clean Fighters Yamanashi players. However, I think it is a good promotional plan for rugby. I think that combining two matches with different fan bases has the merit of attracting more spectators as a result. I look forward to seeing more combinations in the future.

Now, before the main event of the day, Teikyo University vs. Meiji University, let’s check the ranking list of Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group A

	Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group Order 2022/11/19
order	team	Win	Lose	Winning Point
1	Teikyo	5	0	25
2	Meiji	5	0	24
3	Waseda	4	1	19
4	Keio	4	1	19
5	Tsukuba	1	4	7
6	Rikkyo	1	4	5
7	Aoyama Gakuin	0	5	0
8	Nippon Sport Science	0	5	0

As of November 19, only two schools, Teikyo University and Meiji University, had won all their games. This match will decide who is the stronger of the two.

Here is the latest information on the two schools that will play on this day.

First, let’s take a look at the visiting team, Meiji University.

The match on this day will be the same as the final match of last season’s University Championship. Teikyo University won the championship last season, and today’s game will be their first match before advancing to the University Championship. After this match, the two schools may play each other again if they both win the University Championship.

Here is today’s starting lineup for Meiji University.

Meiji University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kosei NAKAMURA	183cm	112kg	21
2	Junichiro MATSUSHITA	173cm	87kg	21
3	Keijiro TAMEFUSA	180cm	115kg	21
4	Reijiro YAMAMOTO	190cm	107kg	20
5	Shin Takeuchi	191cm	110kg	22
6	Yuta MORIYAMA	185cm	96kg	21
7	Taisei FUKUDA	173cm	95kg	20
8	Taishiro KIDO	185m	96kg	20
9	Shu HAGIWARA	173m	78kg	21
10	Kotaro ITO	175cm	84kg	21
11	Kippei ISHIDA	167cm	73kg	22
12	Yuya HIROSE	179cm	93kg	21
13	Takaya SAITO	181cm	93kg	21
14	Yuta AKIHAMA	174cm	82kg	20
15	Kohei YASUDA	181cm	86kg	20

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Kippei ISHIDA. 167cm, 73kg, 22 years old. He is the captain of Meiji University. He is a graduate of Jyoshogakuen High School in Osaka, Japan’s 2018 high school national team. 2021 Tokyo Olympics 7-man rugby Japan national team. He is the only university student to represent Japan Rugby in the Olympics. His style of play is that of a libero in soccer. He is a “god-like” player, appearing in various phases of the attack. This season, with Ishida as captain, Meiji University has established a style in which not only the strong FW but also the BK run all over the ground. Can they regain supremacy from Teikyo University?

Next, an update information on the home team, Teikyo University.

The Teikyo University rugby team won an unprecedented nine consecutive university championships from 2009 to 2017, and last season, the team was crowned the best university in Japan for the first time in four seasons. The current team is reminiscent of its heyday, with nine members of the high school national team. It will be interesting to see which team will be able to stop this strongest champion.

Today’s starting members are as follows

Teikyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota TAKAI	171cm	112kg	22
2	Hayate ERA	171cm	100kg	21
3	Taro UESUGI	176cm	113kg	20
4	Issa YAMAKAWA	190cm	104kg	22
5	Masahiro ERIGUCHI	186cm	108kg	22
6	Keito AOKI	187cm	110kg	20
7	Akito OKUI	177cm	103kg	21
8	Shuto NOBEHARA	182cm	100kg	20
9	Kumusu LEE	174cm	80kg	20
10	Mikiya TAKAMOTO	172cm	82kg	21
11	Tomu TAKAMOTO	182cm	88kg	21
12	Gen GOTO	174cm	85kg	19
13	Kanji FUTAMURA	180cm	88kg	21
14	Shinya KOMURA	180cm	92kg	20
15	Kippei TANINAKA	178cm	78kg	22

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Tom TAKAMOTO. 182 cm, 88 kg, 21 years old. Position = WTB. from Higashi Fukuoka High School in Fukuoka, Japan. 2019 High School Japan Representative. He is a utility player who can also play SO, CTB, and FB in addition to WTB.

Now, the game is about to begin.

It was raining on that day. I went to Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground early and secured a covered seat behind the goal.

In addition to the rain, the high temperature was 12 degrees Celsius, which was as cold as December. I caught a cold later in the day because I was halfway through my warm-up gear.

Kickoff was at 14:00.

2 minnutes into the first half:

Meiji kicked off to start the game. Teikyo tried to get the ball out of a tight pack, but the Meiji FW jacked the ball and was penalized for not releasing the ball. Meiji chose to go for the PG, as the spot of the infringement was near the goalposts. Meiji’s CTB Hirose scored to make the score 0-3.

4 minutes into the first half:

Both teams kicked each other, and Teikyo FB Taninaka’s kick from his own line went out beyond the enemy 22m line. 50-22 rule applied, and Teikyo had their own lineout deep in Meiji territory. Teikyo secured the ball and then played it to the right. Finally, SO Takamoto threw a pass to WTB Komura who was on the right edge of the line and scored a try in the right corner of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also a success. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 7-3.

22 minutes into thefirst half:

Meiji had hoped to win the FW battle evenly and use their combined strength with the BK to win the game, but Teikyo’s scrums were no match for them. Every time they scrummed, they were fouled, and the subsequent penalty kick pushed them deep into their own territory.

As Meiji was being pushed mentally into a corner, Teikyo’s SO Tamamoto, when the opposing defenders thought it was going to be another scrum, took them by surprise and ran in for a try in the middle of the left field. The conversion goal after the try failed. Teikyo made the score 12-3.

41 minutes in the first half:

Meiji had never won a scrum until this time, but near the end of the game, Teikyo was fouled for breaking up a scrum. This scrum was apparently won by Teikyo, as Meiji concentrated the center of gravity of the scrum on the left prop’s side. Meiji then opted to go for the PG, which CTB Hirose converted to make the score 12-6 in Meiji’s favor.

The first half ended here.

Teikyo University had an overwhelming advantage in the match, but Meiji had an overwhelming advantage in the cheering. About 80% of the crowd were Meiji fans, and when Meiji scored a goal, the crowd erupted in cheers.

As the second half got underway, the focus of the match was to see how Meiji would correct the situation in the second half, as being so far behind in the scrum battle was not something that could be easily corrected in a short period of time. On the score, Meiji can be said to be fighting well compared to other universities, including Waseda, since they were six points behind in the first half.

Let’s start the second half.

3 minutes into the second half:

From the start of the second half, Meiji avoided scrumming as much as possible and started to play a development game. Meiji attacked deep into the enemy territory, but Teikyo’s WTB Komura intercepted the pass and ran 80 meters to score a try in the right center of the field. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 19-6.

11 minutes into the second half.

Teikyo was penalized for an infringement by Meiji in the middle of the enemy area, and the penalty kick led to a lineout inside the 22m line on the right side of the enemy area. Teikyo got possession of the ball, and from a maul, the ball was spread out to the left side, where FL Okui ran in and scored a try in the middle of the right side of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 26-6.

17 minutes into the second half

This was the time of a new scrum for both teams. First, Meiji broke down the Teikyo scrum with their technique of gathering the center of gravity at the left prop of the scrum, causing a foul on Teikyo. However, in the scrum immediately after, Teikyo now broke up the Meiji scrum by shifting the center of gravity.

Teikyo then played the ball to the left, where it was intercepted by Meiji’s CTB　Hirose. He intercepted the ball as it was being moved to the left by Teikyo BK, and ran about 50 meters solo to score a try in the middle of the enemy’s in-goal on the left side. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 26-13 in favor of Meiji.

40 minutes into the second half

In the closing minutes of the match, Teikyo launched a series of attacks deep in enemy territory. This time, Meiji committed an infringement in front of the goal post, so Teikyo opted for the PG. This was scored by SO　Takamoto made the score 29-13.

The game was now over, and Teikyo University had one game remaining to win Group A of this season’s Kanto University Rugby Rivalry group.

The schedule for the National University Championship was also set, and December 25 was the first game for Teikyo University. Teikyo University will start from the quarterfinals.

In the National University Championship, two Kansai universities (Kyoto Sangyo University and Tenri University) with powerful FWs await. In last season’s matches, Kyoto Sangyo University was the only team that was able to catch Teikyo University. According to the previous reputation, the Kansai team is more competitive than last year’s team, so we are now looking forward to the matchup.

＊＊　Ｊｅｒｓｅｙ　Ｃｏｌｌｅｃｔｉｏｎ　69　＊＊

FIFA World Cup 1998 France Official Windbreaker. 199 8, adidas product.　Size: L.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar is currently on TV.　Qatar tournament is being broadcasted every day. I was looking for a good jersey on Yahoo! Auctions, and I found this windbreaker. The winning bid was 3,000 yen.

I liked the fact that all the marks on the back and chest area were made of embroidery.

Although it was used more than 20 years ago, it was not in bad condition, so I added it to my collection.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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(Author: Azul, November 20, 2022)

This time, I went to Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, to watch a Kanto University Rugby League group game. The photo above is the entrance to Ashikaga Gakko (Ashikaga School), a nationally designated historical site in Ashikaga City.

The distance from my house (Hachioji City) to Ashikaga City is about 120 km, and it took three hours to get there by train.

I left at 7:00 a.m. and arrived at Ashikagashi Station at 10:00 a.m.

Since this was my first visit to Ashikaga City, I did a little research on the city.

As Ashikaga has a sister city relationship with Kyoto, there are several historical sites in Ashikaga City. Those historic sites are clustered around Ashikaga Station, so I went sightseeing there before the game started.

Ashikaga City claims to be a tourist city, and there are several hotels for tourists around the station.

Walking toward the stadium from the station, you will first see a large river.

This is the Watarase River, a first-class river.

Many regional cities in Japan have developed near such a large river.

As I continued onward, I saw a lantern that reminded me of the history of Ashikaga City.

The name Ashikaga is the birthplace of the Ashikaga clan, which founded the Muromachi Shogunate in the 14th century. As a result, many of the major historical sites in the city are of Ashikaga family origin.

The photo above is a statue of Lord Ashikaga Takauji, who became the first barbarian general of the Muromachi Shogunate in 1336 AD. It took about 10 minutes from the station to get here on foot.

After walking further, we saw Bannaji Temple. This place was originally the Ashikaga clan’s mansion, which was converted into a temple.

It was early Sunday morning, but the place was already crowded with people. I hope the Corona disaster will soon be over and more tourists will gather here.

Next, we visited Ashikaga Gakko (Ashikaga School), which was located next to this temple.

At its peak, the number of students studying here exceeded 3,000, and in 1549, the Christian missionary Francis Xavier introduced the school abroad as “the largest and most famous university in Bando district, Japan.

Chinese Confucianism was also taught here, and a statue of Confucius was erected.

This picture of a dragon gives me a sense of mystical power.

Now it was getting close to game time, so I decided to head to Ashikaga Gas Ground, the venue for today’s game.

I was sweating a little as I walked to the stadium at a fast pace.

The temperature was around 15 degrees Celsius, and it was a little chilly.

Today, two games were scheduled at this venue.

Game 1: Toyo University vs. Hosei University (11:30 start)

Match 2: Ryutsu Keizai University vs Rissho University (14:00 start)

Now, let’s check the standings of the Kanto University Rugby League group.

	Kanto University Rugby League Group Order 2022
order	team	Win	Lose	Winning Point
1	Tokai	4	1	21
2	Ryutsu Keizai	4	1	17
3	Rissho	3	2	14
4	Toyo	3	2	14
5	Hosei	3	2	13
6	Nihon	2	3	10
7	Daito Bunka	1	4	6
8	Kanto Gakuin	0	5	1

This season’s league groups are very crowded. The top 3 schools will advance to the National University Championships, but with 2 games remaining, up to the 6th place team still has a chance to participate in the Championships. Therefore, the match of the day was an absolute must-win game for each team.

The previous week’s games in the rivalry group had attracted 7,000 spectators, but this day’s games in the league group had only about 1.000 spectators. It was a bit sad.

Let me introduce the two schools that will play in the first match of the day.

First, let me introduce today’s visiting team, Hosei University.

The Hosei University Rugby Club was founded in 1942 and has won the National University Championship three times. The team has also won the Kanto University League 13 times, making it the No. 1 team in the league. In recent years, however, the team has been stagnant in the lower ranks of the league group. Whether or not they will be able to participate in the University Championship this season, it depends on a win on this day.

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

Hosei University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Kenta ISHIMODA	174cm	105kg	22
2	Ryutaro IGUCHI	177cm	98kg	22
3	Ryusei KAWAMURA	175cm	107kg	21
4	Riki TAKEBE	175cm	110kg	20
5	Kanta HOSOKAWA	185cm	103kg	18
6	Koki Yoshinaga	172cm	94kg	22
7	Takenori Yamashita	172cm	82kg	21
8	Kosei SASAKI	180m	102kg	21
9	Yugo OYAMADA	170m	70kg	19
10	Tsunemichi KUMADA	172cm	84kg	21
11	Kou ODAKA	181cm	85kg	21
12	Yuo KIM	175cm	85kg	20
13	Kiichi TAKAGI	186cm	103kg	20
14	Ryunosuke SAKATA	181cm	84kg	22
15	Rei ISHIOKA	177cm	83kg	21

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Rei ISHIOKA is 21 years old, 177 cm, 83 kg. He is from Gosho Jitsugyo High School in Nara, Japan. 2019 High School Japan Representative. He is a FB, WTB, SO, and boasts outstanding speed among Hosei University BK players, who are all very fast. Long kicking is also one of his weapons, and he is capable of scoring a PG from the center of the ground. If he moves on to League One after graduation and works on his contact play, he is a gem who can also aim for the Japan national team.

By the way, here is an update on the home team, Toyo University.

Toyo University became the eye of the storm in this season’s league group after defeating last season’s league champion, Tokai University, in the opening match of the league group.

One of the characteristics of this team is that they are outstanding in attack, capable of scoring goals against any team. On the other hand, their defense as a team has been unstable, and all of their games against other teams so far have been close. Can they win their remaining two games and advance to the University Championship?

Today’s starting lineup is as follows.

Toyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Taiga Yamaguchi	168cm	106kg	21
2	Tatsuki TANINA	175cm	101kg	22
3	Makito ISHIKAWA	185cm	115kg	19
4	Lamin Dieng SAITO	185cm	102kg	22
5	Vea TANIELA	183cm	120kg	22
6	Matariki CHANNINGS	195cm	122kg	20
7	Sho TANAKA	185cm	100kg	25
8	Shu UMEMURA	183m	100kg	21
9	Yusaku KANDA	170m	80kg	23
10	Ikuya Tsuchihashi	180cm	86kg	21
11	Kaito SUGIMOTO	170cm	75kg	20
12	Shuta SHIGEMATSU	171cm	85kg	22
13	Sho OHSHIMA	166cm	72kg	21
14	Kohei TANAKA	183cm	91kg	21
15	Stefarhn VAHAFOLAU	188cm	95kg	20

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Kaito Sugimoto. 170 cm, 75 kg, 20 years old. He is a graduate of Tokyo High School. Although not physically gifted, he has the core strength to break through dense crowds and boasts the fastest 50-meter run time of 5.9 seconds, the fastest on the team. He also shows off-load passing, connecting the ball without falling down even if he is caught in the middle of the field. He is also the team’s placekicker and plays PG in the game.

Let’s start the first half of the game.

5 minutes　into the first half:

In the early stages of the game, both sides exchanged kicks, and the game went back and forth. However, when Hosei developed, they could not get behind Toyo’s day defense, but in Toyo’s case, they broke through the opponent’s defensive network and moved forward. With such a flow, Toyo gradually moved forward as they entered the enemy territory, and finally, near the 22m line, Toyo’s WTB　Sugimoto, a WTB of Toyo, went through the left side and scored a try at the left edge of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was unsuccessful. The score was 5-0 with Toyo scoring first.

18 minutes into the first half:

Toyo attacked vertically with the foreign student as a penetrate player in the attack after entering the enemy camp. Continuing the attack, Toyo went close to the in-goal, and finally scored on the right side of the goalposts.

The try was scored by Toyo’s LO Channings The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 12-0.

27 minutes into the first half:

After a Toyo kicking error, Hosei came deep into the enemy territory and attacked with a series of BK line attacks. Toyo was able to hold them off in front of the goal, but Hosei SO Kumada received the ball in front of the enemy in-goal, and fell straight down in the left middle for the try. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 12-5.

37 minutes into the first half:

After Toyo entered the enemy territory, Hosei committed a foul in the scrum, from which Toyo attacked quickly, and LO Channings easily broke away and rounded the goal post to score a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 19-5.

45 minutes into the first half:

Near the end of the first half, Toyo committed an infringement at a scrum near the center of the field, causing the scrum to collapse. Here, Hosei opted for a PG. The distance from the PG point to the goal post was more than 50 meters, which caused a stir in the stands, but Hosei’s SO Kumada succeeded brilliantly. The score was 19-8.

The first half ended here. Toyo attacked vertically with their international players, while Hosei tried to break through with a line attack by their BK players. We look forward to seeing if Hosei will continue to attack in this fashion in the second half.

Let the second half begin:

15 minutes into the second half:

Hosei’s defenders managed to stay in the game even when they were attacked deep in their own half, as any further point difference would almost guarantee a win or loss in this game. Toyo, however, continued to attack and came close to getting in front of the enemy’s in-goal. Hosei was brought to the in-goal several times, but they did not let them score a try. However, Toyo’s FL Channings, who had scored two tries on the day, received the ball in front of the enemy in-goal and played through a couple of Hosei defenders to score his third try of the day on the right side of the goal post. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 26-8, giving Toyo a massive 18-point lead.

Toyo University, I thought at this point, was going to win this day with comparative ease, although all their previous games had been very close. But………

23 minutes into the second half:

Hosei was again attacked by Toyo in front of their own in-goal, and there was a scene where they almost scored a try. However, from their own in-goal, Hosei’s CTB, WTB, and FB connected one pass after another and ran all the way to the enemy in-goal, where FB Ishioka scored the try just below the goal post. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 26-15. Hosei showed their true spirit of running rugby by scoring a try.

38 minutes into the second half:

At this time of the game, Toyo was showing signs of fatigue, while Hosei was gradually improving as the possibility of an upset victory became more and more apparent.

The scrum was deep in front of the goal posts in the Toyo camp, and it was a Toyo ball scrum. The ball came out of here, and Toyo’s midway replacement, SO Amaha, committed a painful knock-on infringement. Toyo then made a series of mistakes in this position, and were pinned in front of their own goal. Hosei made a series of attacks from this point on, and finally LO Takebe of Hosei scored a try in the right center of the field. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 26-22.

Hosei’s four-point lead gave the entire team a boost. Toyo, however, knew that a loss in this game would doom their chances of qualifying for the University Championships, so they fought back with all their might. Hosei deployed the ball from deep in their own territory and attempted a final attack. In a densely contested battle, Toyo got the ball back, and the game ended as it did. The final score was 26-22 in favor of Toyo University. As a result, Toyo University will be able to participate in the University Championships if they secure a draw or better against Rissho University in the final match to be held on November 27.

And now for the second match of the day.

The second match of the day was between Ryutsu Keizai University and Rissho University, and Ryutsu Keizai University won by a score of 31-38.

This game was also a close match, but with this victory, Ryutsu Keizai University qualified for the University Championship. And only one slot remains.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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(Author: Azul,, November 13, 2022)

In the aftermath of the Japan National Rugby Team game that I saw the previous week, I went to watch the Kanto University Rugby match between Teikyo University and Waseda University in the Kanto University rugby rivalry group.

Perhaps in the aftermath of the Brave Blossoms’ hotly contested match, rugby fans all over Japan seemed to be excited to watch a rugby match. And the venue for the match was the Kumagaya Rugby Ground in Saitama Prefecture.

Now, let us check the standings of the Kanto University Rugby rivalry group so far.

	Kanto University Rugby Rivalry Group Order 2022
order	team	Win	Lose	Winning Point
1	Teikyo	4	0	20
2	Meiji	4	0	19
3	Waseda	4	0	19
4	Keio	4	0	19
5	Tsukuba	0	4	2
6	Rikkyo	0	4	0
7	Aoyama Gakuin	0	4	0
8	Nippon Sport Science	0	4	0

There is an extreme difference between the top 4 teams and the bottom 4 teams. The top four teams have won all four games, while the bottom four teams have lost all four games. However, the University of Tsukuba played close matches with the top teams and showed us many highlights.

From now on, the top teams are expected to play more intense matches as they enter the second half of the tournament.

And with the top four teams going head-to-head in this day’s matchup, I expected the matches to be full of highlights.

On the day of the tournament, I took the train from my home to Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture. On the day of the game, more fans than expected gathered at Kumagaya Station. I was planning to take a bus from the station to the stadium, but the line waiting for the bus was about 500 meters long, so I decided to walk to the stadium.

The distance from Kumagaya Station to the stadium is about 4 km. It would take one hour if we walked slowly. I was sweating as I walked to the stadium because the kick-off time was approaching. I was passed by four buses on the way to the stadium, but I arrived at the stadium at about the same time as the buses.

The first game of the day was Meiji University vs Keio University.

Last season, this game was a one-sided victory for Meiji University. This season, Keio University seemed to be in good shape, so I expected a good game, but again, it turned out to be a one-sided match.

The score was 54 points for Meiji University vs. 3 points for Keio University. Keio in particular suffered a humiliating defeat, being held to no tries. Keio fans were a bit disappointed.

Next up was the second match of the day, between last year’s university champions, Teikyo University, and Waseda University, the second place finisher in the Kanto University Rugby rivalry group last year. Kickoff was at 14:00. The number of spectators on the day was announced as 7,063, but even among the same university students, the Kanto University League matches group do not have 1,000 spectators, so there is too much difference in popularity.

Now, let me give you an update on both schools.

First, let me introduce the visiting team of the day, Waseda University.

Last season, Teikyo University won 29-22. It was a good game with Waseda catching up to Teikyo in the second half. This season, Waseda is reported to be doing well, so we expected the game to be heated as well.

The starting lineup for the day was as follows:

Waseda University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota IMOTO	165cm	98kg	22
2	Kenji SATO	177cm	108kg	19
3	Shotaro KAMEYAMA	176cm	115kg	20
4	Tomoki MAEDA	179cm	103kg	22
5	Daiki IKEMOTO	186cm	105kg	20
6	Jingo MURATA	185cm	102kg	20
7	Ken AIHARA	180cm	88kg	19
8	Masahiko SAGARA	180m	99kg	21
9	Taisei KONISHI	166m	66kg	22
10	Kengo NONAKA	181cm	93kg	19
11	Ibuki YAMASHITA	172cm	77kg	19
12	Ko YOSHIMURA	175cm	84kg	22
13	Soma OKAZAKI	177cm	89kg	20
14	Eito MAKI	175cm	88kg	22
15	Satoshi KOIZUMI	178cm	86kg	22

＊＊　Player to watch　＊＊

Ko YOSHIMURA. 175 cm, 84 kg, 22 years old. He is a graduate of Higashi Fukuoka High School. Position = SO, CTB. Waseda University has a player named Itoh, who used to be a member of the high school national team, but due to injury, his return to the team this season is uncertain. As the most senior player in the team, Yoshimura has improved his judgment in the game and his consistency in place kicking, and he has been able to perform decisive work in the game more often than ever. Can he lead his team to victory in today’s match?

Next, an update on today’s home team, Teikyo University.

Teikyo University was the university champion last season, and has shown strength in the new season that foreshadows the return of the golden era. Many of the regular members of last season’s team are still with the team this season, showing their consistent strength. After suffering a tough time at the hands of Kansai champion, Kyoto Sangyo University, in last season’s University Championship, individual players of Teikyo team have improved their strength in contact play this season. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of game they will show in the matches against the top schools in the Kanto University Rugby rivalry group starting on this day.

The starting lineup for this day is as follows:

Teikyo University
No.	Name	height	weight	age
1	Shota TAKAI	171cm	112kg	22
2	Hayate ERA	171cm	100kg	21
3	Taro UESUGI	176cm	113kg	20
4	Issa YAMAKAWA	190cm	104kg	22
5	Masahiro ERIGUCHI	186cm	108kg	22
6	Keito AOKI	187cm	110kg	20
7	Akito OKUI	177cm	103kg	21
8	Shuto NOBEHARA	182cm	100kg	20
9	Kumusu LEE	174cm	80kg	20
10	Mikiya TAKAMOTO	172cm	82kg	21
11	Tomu TAKAMOTO	182cm	88kg	21
12	Chihiro MATSUYAMA	173cm	88kg	21
13	Kanji FUTAMURA	180cm	88kg	21
14	Shinya KOMURA	180cm	92kg	20
15	Kippei TANINAKA	178cm	78kg	22

＊＊ Players to watch ＊＊

Mikiya TAKAMOTO. 172 cm, 82 kg, 21 years old. He is a graduate of Osaka Toin High School. He was a representative of Japan’s high school national team. Position=SO, He is the No.1 SO in both name and reality. Teikyo University has a strong FW and a decisive BK, and this man’s outstanding ability to assemble a game is indispensable for the team’s consecutive championships. This season, he has shown aggressive breakthroughs when the opportunity arises, and his running ability has been refined.

I was also pleased to see the return of the singing of the school anthems of both schools, which had been banned during the period of the new Corona outbreak. Singing is still prohibited in the auditorium, however.

Let me begin the first half.

4 minutes into the first half:

At the beginning of the game, both teams kicked high punts to each other. However, I was a little surprised because Waseda’s FB Koizumi’s kick extended well. He is graduating from the university this year, and if he continues to play rugby in League One after graduation, I look forward to seeing him.

When Teikyo University attacked, each player made strong contact and approached the enemy’s in-goal. Hence, when Teikyo University attacked continuously, Waseda gradually retreated. Finally, the ball came out of a ruck and Teikyo’s SO　Takamoto took the ball out of the ruck to the left, where he was outnumbered their own players, and CTB Futamura took it outside the ruck to the right. Then he scored a try to the left of the enemy’s in-goal. Teikyo scored the first point with a successful conversion goal after the try. The score was 7-0.

25 minutes into the first half:

Teikyo took control of the attack and continued to attack deep in the enemy territory, but a series of mistakes at the point where a try was about to be scored prevented by themselves.

However, Teikyo had an overwhelmingly long period of time in which to attack, and even when they kicked into their own territory, they kept the ball in play and kept attacking, closing in on the enemy’s in-goal. From the enemy 22-meter line, they started to attack, with hooker Era, FL　Okui, and then FL　Era received the ball again, and he flipped the ball over the opposing defense to score a try in the middle of the ingoal area on the right.

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 14-0 in favor of Teikyo.

28 minutes into the first half:

At the right end of the center of the field, Teikyo FB　Taninaka and Waseda WTB Maki had an aerial duel with each other. Taninaka was knocked to the ground dangerously. Nevertheless, Taninaka continued to secure the ball. The referee stopped the game for a moment and treated Taninaka. He then got up and returned to the lineup, but he showed great persistence on the ball.

34 minutes into the first half:

Waseda kicked the ball from their own half and Teikyo’s SO　 Takamoto tried to kick the ball back, but Waseda’s WTB Maki charged in. The ball rolled into Teikyo’s in-goal and Waseda’s WTB Maki and Teikyo’s FB　Taninaka ran after it, and a race ensued. Waseda’s Maki held the ball in the right center of the in-goal and Waseda scored a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 14-7.

44 minutes into the first half:

Teikyo did not slow down their attack as the first half drew to a close. A scrum took place in the middle of enemy territory, and Teikyo pushed hard. This resulted in a foul by Waseda, and Teikyo was awarded a penalty kick, giving them their own lineout in front of the enemy in-goal. Teikyo steadily caught the ball here, and although it became a dense battle after that, they moved forward, continuing a series of attacks led by their FW players. And finally, CTB　Futamura scored his second try of the day in the middle of the right field of enemy’s in-goal area, passing through the enemy defense. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 21-7.

The first half ended here.

Looking back at the first half, Teikyo spent an overwhelmingly long time in attack, and Waseda spent most of the game time on the defensive. Unless some breakthrough measures are taken for the second half for Waseda, the point gap will open up even further. I am looking forward to Waseda’s comeback.

Let’s start the second half.

2 minutes into the second half: .

Teikyo kicked the ball into Waseda’s territory, and Waseda’s WTB Yamashita dropped the ball in front of him, resulting in another infringement and a lineout for Teikyo. Then they secured the ball at the lineout, and formed a maul to advance and score a try by hooker Era in the right center of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 28-7 in favor of Teikyo.

21 minutes into the second half:

Waseda took control of the attack for the first time in this match. They attacked deep into Teikyo’s territory and got their own scrum in front of the enemy’s in-goal. The ball was quickly served out and NO.8 Sagara attacked on the side. The team formed a tight group, and inside CTB Yosimura was able to take advantage of a momentary lapse in the defense. He did not miss the opportunity and scored a try in the middle right of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 28-12.

30 minutes into the second half:

Waseda had been putting up a good fight in attack and defense, and were starting to get the better of Teikyo until an infringement just in front of the goal posts on the 22m line led to a lineout in Teikyo ball. Teikyo caught the ball steadily and brought it into a maul, where hooker Era scored his third try of the day in the middle left of the enemy’s in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 35-12.

38 minutes into the second half:

After a brief period in the second half when Waseda took control of the attack, Teikyo regained their offensive momentum in the final minutes.

Teikyo got a scrum on their own ball in front of the enemy in-goal, pushed the scrum forward, and SH Lee pushed the spilled ball into the in-goal for a try in the right center of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also a success. making the score 42-12.

42 minutes into the second half:

With only a few minutes remaining in the second half, Waseda connected the ball from their own line, and the BKs moved to the left side of the field. Waseda’s SH Miyao connected with outside CTB Okazaki, who scored a try to the left center of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try failed. The score was 42-17.

44 minutes left into the second half:

With 30 seconds left in the game, Waseda attacked from deep in their own territory to score one more try.

However, a forced pass was intercepted by Teikyo’s No. 8　Nobehara intercepted a forced pass and drove just under the goal post to score a try. Teikyo’s conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the final score 49-17.

＊＊　Jersey Collection 67　＊＊

Uniforms of SUNTORY, a strong Japanese League One team, from the early 1990s. Replica jersey. Sold for 4,000 yen on Yahoo! Auctions. When it appeared once before, it was sold to someone else for about 8,000 yen.

After a few years, it finally came up for auction. It is a rare jersey. The burgundy and white border colors match the corporate image, and I am happy to look at it.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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（Author: Azul, November 5, 2022）

The Brave Blossoms of Japan will play their third straight Test Match from this week, following their win and loss against Australia A this past fall. The first match was against the New Zealand All　Blacks, who are currently ranked 4th in the world and have won the RWC three times.

The venue was Tokyo’s National Stadium. Tickets for this match were sold out more than two weeks ago. The interest of rugby fans in Japan reached such a peak that, unusually, the match was suddenly scheduled for Public Viewing at various locations in Japan. The match was scheduled to start at 14:50, and a Public Viewing and Rugby Fair was held at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Ground near the National Stadium on the same day.

The events of the day were

12:30 – Public Viewing of the Women’s RWC Quarterfinals

14:50 – Public viewing of Brave Blossoms vs All Blacks

The event was to be held at the same time.

Since the Japan Series of professional baseball would also be held in the evening, more than 100,000 people gathered here at Jingu Gaien this afternoon. It was, for a moment, the largest crowd I can remember. In terms of numbers, the crowd reminded me of the time of RWC 2019.

Even before the entrance, the National Stadium was filled with countless fans wearing Japan’s national team jerseys. what was different from the RWC was that most of the fans who came to the event were Japanese.

The total number of visitors that day was 65,188, which was the highest attendance at the National Stadium. My seat this time was on the third floor. It was my first time to sit on the third floor.

I took the escalator from the second floor to the third floor. And this is what it looks like when you sit on the third floor.

I heard that some stadiums charge more for seats on the third floor, where you can see the entire stadium, but in today’s case, the cheapest price was Category 4 (4,000 yen) for seats on the third floor behind the goal.

The Japanese national rugby team has played the All Blacks 6 times in the past, winning 0 and losing 6.

Oct.25,1987~0-74 (Hanazono Stadium, Japan)

Nov.1,1987~4-106 (National Stadium, Japan)

June 4, 1995~17-145 (Bloom Fountain, South Africa)

Sep. 11, 2011~7-83 (Hamilton, NZ)

Nov. 2, 2013~6-54 (Chichibunomiya Stadium, Japan)

Nov. 3, 2018~31-69 (Azinomoto Stadium, Japan)

All of these matches can be considered complete defeats, but the 1995 match in particular has gone down in the record books as the match with the highest goal difference in the RWC.

The Japanese national rugby team has not won a RWC match in more than 20 years, from its first victory over Zimbabwe in 1991 to its last victory over South Africa in 2015. The loss to the All Blacks in RWC 1995 was a game that symbolized the dark days of the Japanese national team. Can Japan put an end to that dark history on this day?

Here is the latest information on both teams playing today.

First, let’s start with the visiting team, the New Zealand All　Blacks.

The year 2022 will be a difficult one for the All Blacks, who pride themselves on being the best team in the world.　

They won one and lost two games against Ireland.

1win and1 loss to Argentina’s Los Pumas

1win and1, South Africa’s Springboks

The unbeaten team has already suffered three defeats this year. The All　Blacks. Here is today’s starting lineup.

All Blacks
No.	Name	height	weight	age	NZ Caps
1	George BAUER	183cm	115kg	30	19
2	Samisoni TAUKEIAHO	183cm	115kg	25	17
3	Nepo LAULALA	184cm	116kg	30	42
4	Brodie RETALLICK	204cm	123kg	31	98
5	Tupou VAA’I	198cm	118kg	22	15
6	Shannon FRIZELL	195cm	108kg	28	21
7	Sam CANE	189cm	103kg	30	85
8	Hoskins SOTUTU	192m	106kg	24	12
9	Finlay CHRISTIE	177m	82kg	12	12
10	Richie MO’UNGA	176cm	83kg	28	41
11	Caleb CLARKE	184cm	107kg	23	11
12	Roger TUIVASA-SHECK	182cm	96kg	29	2
13	Braydon ENHOR	187cm	94kg	25	5
14	Sevu REECE	179cm	87kg	25	21
15	Stephen PEROFETA	181cm	85kg	25	1

＊＊ Player to watch ＊＊

Sevu REECE. 179 cm, 87 kg, 25 years old. position = WTB, and has been highly regarded in NZ since high school for his short distance running and rugby. He scored tries during his time with the Crusaders in Super Rugby and when he was called up to the All Blacks in 2019, he went on to secure a regular position in the team. As the All Blacks’ leading speedster, he is expected to play an important role in RWC 2023.

Next, an update on the home team, the national team Brave Blossoms.

Eight of the starters on the day had RWC 2019 experience. The problem of a lack of turnover between old and new players, which was a concern for a while, is slowly being resolved. Hopefully, we will record a victory in the matches against the top ranking teams in the world ranking that will continue from this day.

The Brave Blossoms starting lineup for this day is as follows

Brave Blossoms
No.	Name	height	weight	age	Japan Caps
1	Keita INAGAKI	186cm	116kg	32	42
2	Atsushi SAKADE	180cm	104kg	29	30
3	Jian GU	184cm	122kg	28	18
4	Warner DEARNS	201cm	117kg	20	4
5	Jack CORNELSEN	195cm	110kg	27	9
6	Michael LEITCH	189cm	113kg	33	75
7	Kazuki HIMENO	187cm	108kg	28	22
8	Tevita TATAFU	183cm	124kg	26	12
9	Yutaka NAGARE	166cm	75kg	30	27
10	Takuya YAMAZAWA	176cm	84kg	28	4
11	Siosaia FIFITA	187cm	105kg	23	9
12	Ryoto NAKAMURA	182cm	92kg	31	30
13	Dylan RILEY	187cm	102kg	25	7
14	Kotaro MATSUSHIMA	178cm	87kg	29	44
15	Ryohei Yamanaka	188cm	98kg	34	24

＊＊ Player to watch ＊＊

Michael LEITCH. 189cm, 113kg, 33 years old. Japan national team cap 75. position = FL, No. 8. Captain of Japan’s national team for RWC 2015 and 2019. He is the mental pillar of the current Brave Blossoms and a key player in terms of play. he was a little out of shape at RWC2019, but has since had surgery on an injured part and is back in shape. He started all three matches against Australia A. He is currently performing at the highest level of his career. The only problem is that if he were to pull out due to injury, there would be no one to replace him.

Let’s take a look back at the test match.

From the entrance, the atmosphere is different from the French national team’s matches in the summer. Although France is currently ranked higher in the world, Japanese rugby fans, who know the history of the All Blacks against Japan, respect the All Blacks as the strongest team in the world. At the same time, they are looking forward to seeing how far the Japanese national team, the Brave Blossoms, can go against the best team in the world. Most of the 65,000-plus spectators in the stadium, most of whom are Japanese rugby fans, have high expectations for this match. However, the flip side of this expectation is that if the team suffers a serious defeat here, it may turn off the fans. As was the case with the Japanese national team in the past. For the players of the national team, I felt a pressure that is hard to describe in words.

The most popular rugby team in Japan, the NZ national team All　Blacks game, there were several unusual events.

The Honorary President of the Japanese Rugby Football Union, Her Imperial Highness Princess Akiko, gave a pep talk to the participating players. This was not the case during the spring test matches. It was the idea of Mr. Tsuchida, the chairman of the Japan Rugby Football Union, that the match on this day was a historic one.

Then, the All Blacks’ pre-match War Cry, H AKA, was performed by the All Blacks.

I couldn’t help but shudder at the sight of the HAKA in the stadium.

Now, let the match begin.

10 minutes into the first half：

Both teams had been going back-and-forth up to this point, neither giving up the initiative, until All Blacks broke out of a lineout on the right side of the field a little way into enemy territory and hooker TAUKEIAHO broke through the gain line to get behind the Brave Blossoms’ defensive net. All Blacks lock RETALLICK followed up on this and scored a try right in the middle of the enemy in-goal to put the All Blacks ahead. The　SO MO’UNGA scored the conversion goal after the try to make the score 0-7.

19 minutes into the first half:

Brave Blossoms’ SO　Yamazawa kicked effectively at key points, and the game was promoted in the enemy’s territory. The Brave Blossoms formed a break down just beyond the 10-meter mark and the All Blacks were penalized for a Not Role Away foul. Here, the Brave Blossoms opted for the PG. It was in front of the enemy goal post, about 20 meters away. The SO　Yamazawaga scored the PG. The score was 3-7 in favor of the Brave Blossoms. It should be noted that the Brave Blossoms’ SO　Yamazawa’s kicking trajectory. His kicks were just as powerful and controlled as those of the kickers of the strong foreign teams. This kind of kick will put pressure on the opposing team not to foul play carelessly.

22 minutes into the first half:

The All Blacks attack deep into enemy territory. and from a lineout on the right flank, they surged forward in a maul to score a try.　The Brave Blossoms showed the results of their defensive work after their loss to Australia A in October, when a maul attack cost them the game-winning try.

26 minutes into the first half:

Brave Blossoms again showed great defense in front of their own in-goal to repel the attack of their opponents. However, the All Blacks also attacked in succession, with offload passes and finally CTB ENHOR scored a try in the middle left of the in-goal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful and All Blacks made the score 3-14.

32 minutes into the first half:

Brave Blossoms created several chances in enemy territory but failed to score. All Blacks got a lineout on the right side of the field after an infringement by their opponents, and WTB REECE ran from the outside to receive the ball and scored a try. The conversion goal after the try was also successful. All Blacks made the score 3-21, 18 points ahead.

37 minutes into the first half:

The Brave Blossoms were on the verge of a one-sided loss if the score was any further apart. During this period, the All Blacks were bulking up and launching a series of off-loaded passes. This was the critical point in the match for the Brave Blossoms.

The All Blacks advanced all the way to the enemy 22-meter line. Here, FL HIMENO of the Brave Blossoms made a crucial jackal play, and the Brave Blossoms succeeded in turning over. The Brave Blossoms’ backs player kicked the ball deep into the enemy territory. Finally, SO　YAMAZAWA picked up the ball in front of the enemy in-goal, then catched and scored a try The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 21-10.

39 minutes into the first half:

The Brave Blossoms were still in the midst of their first half, but the earlier try gave the whole team a boost, and everyone in the Brave Blossoms team showed a determination to connect the ball and move forward, launching a series of attacks from their own area. The ball was deployed to the left, and CTB Riley, stationed on the left edge of the field, broke through the All Blacks’ defense to close in on the enemy in-goal. Finally, he connected with SH NAGARE, who followed him inside and scored a try in the middle of the right field of opponent’s ingoal. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the Brave Blossoms were within 4 points, 17-21.

The Brave Blossoms were briefly outscored by the All Blacks, but they scored back-to-back tries in the closing minutes of the first half. The Brave Blossoms’ performance at the end of the half brought cheers from the entire stadium.

In the last three matches against Australia A, Brave Blossoms lost energy in the second half and scored consecutive goals, but how will the second half of this match unfold?

Let the second half begin.

2 minutes into the second half:

Both teams were looking for the first goal from each other, but it was All Blacks who scored first.

All Blacks applied their bodies and tried to advance, but Brave Blossoms did not let them break the gain line. However, All Blacks’ left WTB CLARKE got tangled up with three men, and played them all off and scored a try in the left middle. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 28-17.

14 minutes into the second half:

The All Blacks players started to work together better and were gradually closing in on the enemy in-goal. With 5 meters to go and just in front of the goal posts, Brave Blossoms’ FL　HIMENO showed a jackal play to win back the ball. It was a priceless play by HIMENO to stop the momentum of the opponent.

15 minutes into the second half.

The Brave Blossoms, thanks to FL HIMENO’s earlier effort, advanced to the center of the field. The SH CHRISTIE of All Blacks attempted a high punt up the middle, but Brave Blossom’s lock DEARNS was able to charge and the ball went straight into his arms. DEARNS ran through the back of the defense to the opponent’s in-goal and scored a try in the left center of the field. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 24-28. For Warner DEARNS, it was a memorable first try for Japan.

21 minutes into the second half:

During this period, the All Blacks were closing in on the enemy in-goal, and in succession, the FWs launched a series of side attacks.

And the All Blacks’ No.8 SOTUTU was able to score a try on the right side of the goal post with a great individual effort. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 24-35, an 11-point lead for the All Blacks.

26 minutes into the second half.

All Blacks lock RETALLICK was shown a red card and he was sent off.for extremely dangerous play against FL HIMENO, a key player on the Brave Blossoms’ FW this day.

All Blacks’ RETALLICK was sent off for hitting to Brave Blossoms’ HIMENO in the neck as he went for the ball in a tight pack.

The Brave Blossoms began to take the lead in the last 14 minutes of the second half, and with the All Blacks down a man, they began to push forward, going wide left and right.

39 minutes into the second half:.

The Brave Blossoms once got close to their own in-goal, but were fouled in a scrum there and pushed back into their own territory on the ensuing kick.

Later, during an attack and defense in their own territory, Brave Blossoms WTB Van den HEEVER kicked the spilled ball deep into enemy territory, and then chased it down himself to make it his own ball in front of the enemy goal.

From the lineout that followed, it was a tight battle in front of the enemy in-goal, and finally Brave Blossoms’ FL　HIMENO scored a try in the middle of the left field. The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 31-35.

40 minutes into the second half

With little time left on the clock, the Brave Blossoms tried to attack by spreading the ball deep in their own territory. Instead of kicking the ball out, the All Blacks opted for a PG, which the SO MO’UNGA converted to make the final score 31-38.

The Brave Blossoms had lost 7 straight games against the All Blacks, but the loss by 7 points was a good sign that the Brave Blossoms had improved their abilities.

We look forward to seeing them pick up some great wins in their next two test matches on November.

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Stop the war.

Peace to Ukraine

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