The 2024-25 Japan Rugby League One season kicked off on December 21. Toyota Verblitz faced Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay on December 22 at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium, suffering a narrow 27-30 defeat after a dramatic comeback by the Spears.
In the 43rd minute of the second half, the 12,358 spectators alternated between gasps and cheers. The score was tied at 27-27, with Verblitz desperately defending their goal line against relentless attacks. As the final horn sounded, the intensity only grew. After nearly two minutes of nail-biting play and 21 attacking phases, Spears fly-half Bernard Foley sealed the game with a decisive drop goal from near the center of the field.
The early stages of the match saw Verblitz firmly in control. Despite playing against strong winds in the first half, they managed field positions carefully. After conceding the first try, Verblitz responded with tries from Vilimoni Tuidraki in the 20th minute and captain Kazuki Himeno in the 27th minute, taking the lead. Joseph Manu, earning his first cap, added another try in the 40th minute, helping Verblitz finish the half with a strong 21-10 lead.
Both teams, known for their physical style, engaged in fierce clashes from the outset, where even minor infractions shifted momentum. In the 7th minute of the second half, Spears substituted five key players, including their entire front row and scrum-half, tilting the game in their favor. One standout was substituted Hooker Malcolm Marx. The South African international, a two-time Rugby World Cup champion, returned to action after missing last season due to injury. His presence marked his first appearance since leading the Spears to victory in the 2022 League One final.
Despite holding a 24-10 lead, Verblitz began to falter in set pieces. They conceded consecutive tries in the 12th and 15th minutes, narrowing the gap to 24-20. Although Matsuda added a penalty goal, a try in the 35th minute tied the score at 27-27. Verblitz’s defense held firm in the closing moments, but Foley’s drop goal ultimately decided the match.
Head Coach and Director of Rugby Steve Hansen reflected on the defeat. “We struggled to handle the pressure from their bomb squad in the second half.” Captain Kazuki Himeno graciously acknowledged the opposition's performance, saying, “It’s frustrating, but they simply played better.”The revamped Verblitz ship set sail with high hopes, but their opening game ended in heartbreak. Hansen admitted, “It’s painful to lose after leading for most of the game,” though he saw signs of growth. The team’s disciplined defense near their goal line and well-executed set-piece tries were notable positives.
Fly-half Rikiya Matsuda, a transfer from Saitama Wild Knights, impressed with flawless conversions and two penalty goals, showcasing his reliable kicking skills. After the game, Matsuda expressed determination, “I need to become the player who can win these close games for the team.”Captain Himeno also highlighted the positives. “There were plenty of good moments. It’s amazing that everyone is aligned and working towards the same vision. I can feel the team’s desire to get better.” During the match, Himeno frequently gained ground from passes directly fed by Matsuda, demonstrating their growing connection.
“Rikiya (Matsuda) carries some of my responsibilities. I’ll rely on him more and more,” said Himeno, placing his full trust in his teammate. Matsuda reciprocated, saying, “Himeno is always exactly where we need him to be.” Himeno’s own confidence shone, as he commented, “I’m in good form, enjoying rugby, and most importantly, my mental game has reached another level.”Hansen put the loss in perspective, saying, “We’re not taking home the trophy today. We’ll continue to build through this process and aim for peak performance in the latter stages of the season.”
Three of the six opening-round matches were decided in the final moments, underscoring the league’s competitive balance. Spear’s Head Coach Frans Ludeke remarked, “The increasing number of tight games shows the overall level of the league has risen.”
Verblitz’s next opposition, Mie Honda Heat, also claimed a dramatic last-minute victory in their opener, entering the match on an upswing. As Verblitz refocus on the challenges ahead, they’ll aim to balance focus and resilience, striving to stay grounded in wins and undeterred by losses, with the ultimate goal of finishing the season smiling.
0コメント