Clash Against Sungoliath Ends in a Draw: "No Time to Hang Our Heads" - Captain Himeno

Round 3 of the NTT Japan Rugby League One took place on January 4 at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, where Toyota Verblitz faced Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath. In a fiercely contested match where the lead swung back and forth, the game ended in a 30–30 draw.

Both teams faced the match desperate for a win after consecutive losses since the season's start. However, the outcome was a draw. The game saw Verblitz score four tries to Sungoliath’s three, with both sides fiercely exchanging blows in a see-saw battle. In the 25th minute, Sungoliath widened the gap to eight points with a penalty goal, making it 22–30. That’s when Verblitz’s relentless attack began.

Just two minutes later, fly-half Rikiya Matsuda closed the gap to five points with a penalty kick. In the 37th minute, a scrum in their own half launched a collective team effort. Wing Takashi Takahashi powered past defenders down the sideline, carrying the ball into the opposition’s 22-meter zone. Center Siosaia Fifita followed with a strong carry, breaking through the defense. Finally, flanker William Tupou delivered a crucial pass under heavy two-man pressure to debuting fullback Matt McGahan. The No. 22 jersey dove into the left center for a dramatic try, the culmination of a focused and collective attack.

Matsuda’s conversion missed, leaving the score tied at 25–25 with two minutes remaining. Even after the final horn sounded, play continued. In the 84th minute, fullback Tiaan Falcon attempted a daring 55-meter penalty kick from his own half, but it fell just short. The referee blew the final whistle in the 85th minute, concluding the intense clash.

Head coach Steve Hansen summarized the game: “The draw feels like kissing your own sister—there’s love, but it’s not what you wanted.” Despite this, he praised his players for staying composed throughout the match.

After their loss to the Heat in the previous round due to a lack of composure in the final minutes, Verblitz focused on maintaining calm and precision during the week’s training sessions. This preparation showed in the second half, even during a stretch of repeated penalties. The forward pack regrouped, regaining momentum for the team.

When asked about the decision to go for a long-range penalty kick attempt in the last moments, Captain Kazuki Himeno explained: “I was torn between kicking to touch or going for the goal, but Tiaan said, ‘Let me take it.’ I’ve seen how hard he’s been working on his kicking skills, so as a teammate, I trusted him.” Hansen has previously emphasized the importance of trusting players' on-field instincts, and this situation was no different.

Matsuda, who missed the potential game-winning conversion, reflected: “I feel responsible for letting the win slip away.” However, it was Matsuda’s quick decision-making that set up the tying try. Sungoliath also missed two shots in the second half, highlighting how the game’s outcome hinged on the finest of margins. Both teams’ fly-halves, known for their reliable kicking, contributed to a tightly contested and dramatic draw.

The team showed notable growth in maintaining composure, even while trailing late in the game. Debuting McGahan stated: “We’ve been a bit hesitant before, but today, especially in the last 20 minutes, we trusted ourselves and played aggressively.” With McGahan, capable of covering fly-half, center, and fullback, returning to the lineup, the backline options have significantly strengthened.

The younger players also made their mark. Wing Yuichiro Wada, making his first start this season, showcased powerful running in the first half, breaking through from deep within their half. Rookie flanker Kosei Miki, starting his third consecutive game, excelled in defense and contributed with strong carries. However, team discipline remains an issue, with Verblitz committing 13 penalties compared to Sungoliath’s five, an area requiring continuous improvement.

“The result wasn’t what we hoped for, but we executed our style of rugby in several moments. We don’t have time to hang our heads,” said Captain Himeno. Hansen added: “For someone who’s never watched rugby before, today’s game must have left a strong impression. Both teams scored high-quality tries. From the perspective of rugby as a sport, today was a success.”

There was no winner or loser in this 80-minute battle, but the essence of rugby was on full display.