{"id":4384,"date":"2025-01-08T10:24:32","date_gmt":"2025-01-08T10:24:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/?p=4384"},"modified":"2025-01-08T10:24:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T10:24:32","slug":"rugby-jersey-japan-rugby-league-one-2024-2025-season-section-2-ricoh-black-rams-vs-suntory-sungoliath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/?p=4384","title":{"rendered":"RUGBY JERSEY – Japan Rugby League One 2024-2025 season Section 2: RICOH Black Rams vs Suntory Sungoliath"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

 (Written by Azul: January \uff18, 2025)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On December 28, 2024, the Japan Rugby League One 2024-2025 season entered its second week. This time, I went to Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Minato-ku, Tokyo, to watch the match between Ricoh Black Rams vs. Suntory Sungoliath. The conditions were fine and the temperature was 7.8 degrees Celsius. The conditions on the day of the game<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The conditions on the day of the game were clear and sunny, with a temperature of 7.8 degrees Celsius, but there was not as much wind as I expected and I was seated in the backstage in the sun, so I did not feel the cold so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The attendance that day was 8,169, which is said to be a new record for the Black Rams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Personally, I think the Black Rams fan club pricing contributed to this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams Fan Club offers an annual membership fee of 3,300 yen and a 1,000 yen discount on the price of tickets (non-reserved seats) per game for the host game. In my case, I have never been a member of a fan club for a particular team because I like to watch many teams play, but since T.J. Perenara, formerly of the All Blacks, joined the Black Rams this season, I thought I would watch more Black Rams games, I joined the fan club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Let me introduce you to the two teams that would be playing on this day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, let me introduce the Visitor Team, Suntory Sungoliath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Suntory Sungoliath is a strong team that has always been one of the favorites for the championship since the Top League days. In the previous round, they lost 12-33 against last season’s runner-up, Panasonic Wild Knights. The team’s morale is expected to be high as they look to get their first win of the season in this match. The team’s catchphrase this season is \u201cAggressive Attacking Rugby,\u201d and they are probably the best in League One in terms of player depth. However, the dilemma is that the team is so well-rounded that it is difficult for the players who were stars in their college days to play in the games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The starting lineup for this day was as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suntory Sungoliath<\/td><\/tr>
No.<\/td>Name<\/td>height<\/td>weight<\/td>age<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>Yukio MORIKAWA<\/td>180cm<\/td>113kg<\/td>30<\/td>Japan\u30002cap<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>Kosuke Horikoshi<\/td>175cm<\/td>100kg<\/td>28<\/td>Japan\u30007cap<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>Kan NAKANO<\/td>177cm<\/td>108kg<\/td>27<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>Sam JEFFRIES<\/td>198cm<\/td>114kg<\/td>34<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>Harry HOCKINGS<\/td>206cm<\/td>118kg<\/td>25<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>Kanji Shimokawa<\/td>188cm<\/td>105kg<\/td>25<\/td>Japan\u300010caps<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>Kai YAMAMOTO<\/td>177cm<\/td>100kg<\/td>24<\/td>Japan\u30001cap<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>Sean McMAHON<\/td>186m<\/td>99kg<\/td>30<\/td>Australia 26 caps<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>Kenta FUKUDA<\/td>173cm<\/td>80kg<\/td>28<\/td>Japan\u30001cap<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>Mikiya Takamoto<\/td>171cm<\/td>80kg<\/td>23<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>Taiga OZAKI<\/td>184cm<\/td>93kg<\/td>26<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
12<\/td>Shogo NAKANO<\/td>186cm<\/td>98kg<\/td>27<\/td>Japan\u30007caps<\/td><\/tr>
13<\/td>Isaiah PINIVAI<\/td>189cm<\/td>100kg<\/td>24<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
14<\/td>Seiya Ozaki<\/td>175cm<\/td>85kg<\/td>29<\/td>Japan\u30004caps<\/td><\/tr>
15<\/td>Ryosuke KAWASE<\/td>183cm<\/td>88kg<\/td>25<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\uff0a\uff0a\u3000Player to watch\u3000\uff0a\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ryosuke KAWASE.183cm, 88kg, 25 years old. Position = FB, WTB. He is a graduate of Waseda University, and has been a promising prospect since his college days. However, he was not able to play regularly in a team with a large number of players. Currently, KAWASE has had the opportunity to be a starter from the start of the season, as Sungoliath’s teammate and Japan’s WTB, MATSUSHIMA, has been unable to play due to injury. He has the physique, speed, and determination to compete on the international stage, so we hope he can produce solid results this season and be selected for the Japan national team. I am sure Japanese rugby fans are eagerly awaiting his selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, I would like to introduce today’s Home Team, RICOH Black Rams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last season, the Black Rams finished 10th in the final standings, and won the division 2 match to remain in Division 1. However, this season, the Black Rams changed their HC, replaced their players, and reinforced their strong players. In addition, the team’s promotion has also changed, with a more aggressive stance toward promotion, more exciting performances, and a more positive attitude toward attracting spectators to games. Finally, the Black Rams have become more like a professional team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the first match of the season, the team faced Mie HONDA\u3000Heat, who finished 11th last season, and lost 21-23. In this day’s match, they are looking for their first win of the season as a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This day’s starting lineup was as follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Rams<\/td><\/tr>
No.<\/td>Name<\/td>height<\/td>weight<\/td>age<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>Kazuma NISHI<\/td>180cm<\/td>108kg<\/td>28<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>Hinata TAKEI<\/td>171cm<\/td>97kg<\/td>26<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>Paddy RYAN<\/td>190cm<\/td>114kg<\/td>36<\/td>Australia 3 caps<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>Michael Stolberg<\/td>202cm<\/td>116kg<\/td>32<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>Josh GOODHUE<\/td>199cm<\/td>113kg<\/td>29<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>Amato Fakatava<\/td>195cm<\/td>118kg<\/td>30<\/td>Japan 10caps<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>Brodi McCURRAN<\/td>193cm<\/td>108kg<\/td>30<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
8<\/td>Liam GILL<\/td>184cm<\/td>95kg<\/td>32<\/td>Australia 15 caps<\/td><\/tr>
9<\/td>TJ PERENARA<\/td>184cm<\/td>94kg<\/td>32<\/td>New Zealand 81caps<\/td><\/tr>
10<\/td>Ichigo NAKAKUSU<\/td>174cm<\/td>84kg<\/td>24<\/td>Japan<\/td><\/tr>
11<\/td>Netani Vakayalia<\/td>181cm<\/td>90kg<\/td>26<\/td>Japan 7th<\/td><\/tr>
12<\/td>Yuki IKEDA<\/td>187cm<\/td>100kg<\/td>29<\/td>Japan<\/td><\/tr>
13<\/td>Ryohei ISODA<\/td>178cm<\/td>90kg<\/td>28<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr>
14<\/td>Amanaki LOTOAHEA TAIYO<\/td>191cm<\/td>107kg<\/td>34<\/td>Japan 8caps<\/td><\/tr>
15<\/td>Isaac LUCAS<\/td>180cm<\/td>85kg<\/td>25<\/td>\u3000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\uff0a\uff0a\u3000Player to watch \uff0a\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TJ PERENARA. 184 cm, 94 kg, 32 years old. Position = SH, SO. 81 caps for New Zealand.He is the most popular and accomplished player in League One this season.He has signed a 3-year contract with the Black Rams, and his commitment to the Black Rams’ success is evident. PERENARA was instrumental in the Black Rams setting a new attendance record at the game. PERENARA is a world-class passer, kicker, and runner, as well as a true professional who has instilled an inspirational atmosphere in all Black Rams staff members, both in practice and in their daily lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s begin the first half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath’s SO TAKAMOTO kicked off the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the opening kickoff, Sungoliath got into the enemy territory, reacquired the ball in a tight battle, and launched a series of attacks. In the flow of the game, Black Rams lock GOODHUE committed a Not Role Away foul. Since the position of the foul was in front of the goal post, Sungoliath elected to go for the PG. Sungoliath’s SO TAKAMOTO scored it, and Sungoliath recorded the first goal with the score 0-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both teams kicked each other to gain the upper hand, and the Black Rams managed to get into the enemy territory and launched a series of attacks that led to a Sungoliath foul, where the Black Rams opted for a penalty kick and advanced deep into the enemy territory. The Black Rams then took advantage of a lineout on the right side of the field to break wide left and SO NAKAKUSU broke the line to the enemy in-goal, where NAKAKUSU passed to WTB VAKAYALIA, who was running along the left side of the line, VAKAYALIA scored a try in the left corner of the enemy in-goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 7-3 in favor of the Black Rams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

10 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath developed from their own tight formation, SO TAKAMOTO kicked, Black Rams lock GOODHUE successfully charged, and GOODHUE caught the ball as it rolled by himself and went straight ahead. Sungoliath’s SO TAKAMOTO caught up with him and tackled him, but he passed to Black Rams’ FL McCURAN, who ran after him and scored a try in the middle left of the enemy in-goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 14-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

14 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams’ FWs were gathering quickly, and Sungoliath was unable to move the ball forward. Sungoliath then kicked deep into enemy territory in an attempt to regain possession. However, Black Rams FB LUCAS tried to counter-attack from deep in their own territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LUCAS dodged two Sungoliath day defenders and advanced quickly into enemy territory, where the Sungoliath defense again gave chase, but LUCAS passed to lock STOLBERG, who followed up, and STOLBERG scored a try right in the enemy territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was missed, but the score was 19-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams started the first half well, scoring 3 tries in less than 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath had a penalty kick deep into enemy territory and had the ball in their own lineout. Sungoliath’s CTB PUNIVAI received the ball, broke the line, and approached the enemy’s in-goal. FB KAWASE scored a try in the middle left of the in-goal of the enemy line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 19-10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

31 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams were pinched by a series of unintentional penalties in a tight match, and Black Rams WTB AMANAKI was temporarily sent off for 10 minutes for a bad foul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In front of the Black Rams’ own in-goal, a tight battle ensued, and the Black Rams did well to push back, but in the end, Sungoliath prop MORIKAWA scored a try right in the middle of the enemy in-goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 19-17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

42 minutes into the first half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Near the end of the first half, the Black Rams committed an infringement during a scrum in their own territory, and Sungoliath opted to go for the PG. Sungoliath’s SO Takamoto scored to make the score 19-20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first half ended here. In the early stages of the match, Black Rams scored a series of tries and took control of the match. However, Sungoliath scored a series of tries towards the end of the first half to bring the match to an even contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It will be interesting to see which team will be the first to take control of the match in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the 15-minute halftime, the host team, the Black Rams, provided fan service by giving out autograph balls<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The team staff also performed an original dance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let the second half begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

5 minutes into the second half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams controlled the ball continuously as they entered the enemy territory at the second half kickoff. The Black Rams gradually made progress and approached the enemy in-goal, and from near the goal posts, the Black Rams took a left turn and SO NAKAKUSU broke the line and ran into the left middle of the enemy in-goal for a try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 26-20 and giving the Black Rams a 6 point lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 minutes into the second half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams’ momentum was unstoppable. From the restart kickoff after the try, they won the ball and continued to attack. Sungoliath occasionally won the ball back, but the Black Rams continued their attack, outpacing the hosts with their athleticism and support in the tight pack. The Black Rams again came close to scoring an in-goal, and CTB IKEDA received the ball and scored a try right under the goalposts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The conversion goal after the try was also successful, making the score 33-20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16 minutes into the second half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath was in the middle of the field when the Black Rams committed an infringement, and Sungoliath opted for a penalty kick. Sungoliath had their first scoring opportunity in a long time, but the ball went to the left in front of the enemy in-goal, and SO TAKAMOTO passed the ball to FB KAWASE, who scored his second of the day in the left center of the enemy in-goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After the try, the conversion goal failed, and the score was 33-25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20 minutes into the second half:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath resumed the attack from their own territory, and substitute FL IOANE made a powerful run to advance more than 10 meters, and from there, the ball was passed to FB KAWASE who ran as fast as he could from behind. He then swept past 2 Black Rams defenders with his speed and scored his third try of the day in the middle of the enemy in-goal on the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The conversion goal after the try was also successful, and the score was 33-32, Sungoliath was finally within one point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Both teams put on a show in attack, and the time was running out for both teams. From this point on, the game entered a tough phase where a single foul could make the difference between victory and defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath took control of the attack towards the end of the match. This was largely due to the work of Sungoliath substitutes SH NAGARE and prop HOSOKI, with NAGARE helping to set the tempo in the attacking sequences and HOSOKI providing the momentum for Sungoliath as an impact player in the scrums. In my opinion, Sungoliath’s HOSOKI is probably the best scrummager in Japan. But he is not selected for the national team because of his frequent injuries and the short time frame in which he is able to show his strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(SH Yutaka NAGARE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Prop Kotaro HOSOKI)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toward the end of the match, Sungoliath pushed and won in all of their scrums. Sungoliath’s prop HOSOKI’s outstanding strength in the scrums shined through here, and the Black Rams also wanted to expand and advance into the opposition’s territory, but the scrums were not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams were also at a disadvantage when a collapsing scrum in their own territory resulted in an immediate PG for Sungoliath, which meant the loss of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 80 minutes of game time, Sungoliath went on their 9th consecutive attack in front of the enemy in-goal,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SO TAKAMOTO threw a long pass to FB KAWASE, who placed the ball in the left corner of the enemy’s in-goal. However, just before that, SO NAKAKUSU of the Black Rams appeared to have pushed KAWASE’s foot off the field. The winner was left to the video decision TMO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Since it was already past the end of the match, the winner was decided by this decision. Could Sungoliath score a try in the end?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Black Rams players look at the big screen behind the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result of the decision was a no try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the match, the Black Rams were finally the winners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sungoliath’s FB KAWASE cowered as he missed the try that would have decided the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The crowd applauded and cheered for the players who had fought so hard, much to the delight of the Black Rams players and fans, who had lost 16 straight games against Sungoliath, including a humiliating 0-62 defeat last season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We would like to thank all the players and fans for a great match at the end of the year 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stop the war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace to Ukraine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a\uff0a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

 (Written by Azul: January \uff18, 2025) On December 28, 2024, the Japan Rugby League One 2024-2025 season entered its second week. This time, I went to Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Minato-ku, Tokyo, to watch the match between Ricoh Black Rams vs. Suntory Sungoliath. The conditions were fine and the temperature was 7.8 degrees Celsius. The … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “RUGBY JERSEY – Japan Rugby League One 2024-2025 season Section 2: RICOH Black Rams vs Suntory Sungoliath”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4384"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4384"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4384\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4443,"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4384\/revisions\/4443"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argentinaworldcupfan.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}