Taichi Takahashi set for his first season start - "I just want to do my best"

Taichi Takahashi is set for his first start of the season, forming a wing duo with Yuki Okada.

The lineup for the match against Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars at Paloma Mizuho Stadium on the 23rd features some new faces, set for their first start of the season.

In the forward pack, Genki Sudo (prop) and Josh Dickson (lock) are set to make their first starts of the season. Ryusei Koike, who has been a replacement in the opening two games, earns his first start, donning the number 6 jersey alongside senior flanker Masato Furukawa (photo below). In the backline, Taichi Takahashi is making his first start of the season. Additionally, the name of the new lock, Issa Yamakawa, is listed among the reserves. If he takes the field, it will mark his League One debut, following in the footsteps of his fellow rookie, No. 8 Isaiah Mapusua.

For Taichi Takahashi, this marks his first official game since last season's League One. During the fall, he spent six weeks playing for the Barbarians in England, as a backup for the RWC2023 in France alongside scrum-half Kaito Shigeno.

“We had a game every week, so we spent the weeks preparing for them. There were many Australians in the Barbarians team, and we adapted to their style. Despite the challenges of the short turnarounds, I felt quite satisfied with my performance. It was a different experience from my usual routine, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

After returning, he suffered a knee injury in the pre-season match against the Blue Revs in late November, which delayed his season start until round 3. Takahashi says,“The team is going well. I just want to do my best to deliver a consistent performance.”

It’s also his first game with the half-back duo, Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett. “Their communication is excellent in training, making my job incredibly easy. I'm excited to see the quality of the game they are involved in.” Takahashi is known for his running game, as well as his ability in the air. The back three combination with Beauden and full-back Dick Wilson is also worth the watch.

Yuki Okada, riding high on this season's success with starts and consecutive tries, stands on the opposite side of the field. Eager for the game, he expresses, “Those tries were a result of getting a good ball. I want to create those opportunities this time."

Kyo Yoshida, Okada's fellow teammate since high school and throughout their time at Toyota, has transferred to the Sagamihara Dynaboars this season. He will be starting as number 6 in the game against Toyota. "I'm genuinely excited to see Kyo on the field. While it's inspiring, I'll focus on the things I need to do,” Okada expresses.

The much-anticipated "Green Showdown" is set for kickoff at 14:30 on the 23rd.