On April 13, Toyota Verblitz played against Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars at Kakidomari Stadium in Nagasaki City. The team won 34-20, bringing their total score to 7 wins and 6 losses. Following their victory in the previous match against Liners, this season's first consecutive win raised their ranking to 6th place.
In the first half, Verblitz led narrowly with a score of 8-3 but were overtaken in the early second half, putting them in a position to chase. It was fly-half Beauden Barrett who broke the deadlock amidst a period of continuous penalties and stalled momentum. A player who has twice been awarded World Rugby Men’s Player of the Year, demonstrated his talent.
Verblitz took the lead initially. In the 6th minute, following a penalty in the opposition half's scrum, NO. 8 Pieter-Steph du Toit, making his return after four matches, attacked the line, setting wing Yuichiro Wada up to earn his first League One career try, leading 5-0. However, the game then progressed with a midfield battle, keeping the match tightly contested. Starting the second half with a 5-point lead, Dynaboars were the first to score. In the 8th minute, they scored a try from continuous phases. Three minutes later, a stolen ball from Verblitz's line-out was caught, leading to another try. They widened their lead to 8-17.
The turning point that brought Verblitz back into the game was the number 10. In the 15th minute, from a near opposition goal line-out maul where midfield Siosaia Fifita attracted much of the defense’s attention, fly-half Barrett exploited the open space, scoring his first try since joining the team. Immediately after in the 17th minute, from a line-out near the halfway line, wing Yuichiro Wada scored his second try of the day, bringing the score to 20-17. However, Dynaboars succeeded a penalty goal in the 21st minute, leveling the score to 20-20.
Barrett's kicking game was outstanding thereafter. In the 23rd minute, a ball he kicked from his own half reached near the opposition goal line, earning admiration from the stands for his precise 50-22 kick. Building the momentum from this with a line-out, Barrett scored his second try, turning the game around once more to 27-20. In the 27th minute, from a scrum near the center, Barrett broke through the line and kicked the ball for full-back Taichi Takahashi to pick up and score a try. They extended their lead to 34-20 and maintained the gap until the end, securing a victory with a bonus point.
Captain Kazuki Himeno reflected on the game and said, “Because everyone did their jobs without relying too heavily on Beauden, he was able to shine." The solid performance from the surrounding players laid the groundwork for the world-class playmaker to excel.
Barrett enjoyed his time in Nagasaki, surrounded by the ocean and mountains with many slopes, as he described, “Similar to Wellington.” He was born near Wellington in New Plymouth. Before moving to the Blues in 2019, he played for the Hurricanes based in Wellington for many years, growing into a top player there. The scenery reminiscent of his hometown may have also spurred him on. This was the first League One match held in Nagasaki. As it is the birthplace of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, it was hosted as Dynaboars' home game. Under the early summer sun, 6,311 spectators filled the stands.
Many children from nearby rugby schools also gathered in the audience, cheering "Barrett!" even after the game ended, continuously waving towels with his name. It was an unusual sight not often seen in regular games. Barrett commented, “We felt the support from the children. It felt like there were thousands of them." The children who witnessed their admired player's performance that day might one day stand on the same stage with their own feet. The team arrived two days before the game. After training the day before, players enjoyed sightseeing in the surrounding areas. Playing in an unfamiliar location provided a refreshing opportunity.
In the next round, Verblitz will face Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights, who are leading with a perfect record, at Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium. NO. 8 Pieter-Steph du Toit is now available for the remaining games. "Having him back and showing leadership in line-outs has been a great help," said Himeno. The team has regained their ability to turn around stagnant periods, and key players have also stepped up to perform. As the league nears its end, they have achieved the best possible scenario. With three matches left, they may fight with unwavering determination.
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