Month: January 2023

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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