Challenging the Reigning Champions with Defense and Physicality

On March 13th, following a bye week, a press conference was held ahead of the upcoming match against Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo. Attending were Co-Coach Ian Foster and the center pairing of Siosaia Fifita and Nicholas McCurran.

Fifita, who transferred from the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in the 2022 season, is set to mark his 50th cap for Verblitz. Last season, he was one of only two players—alongside captain Kazuki Himeno—to start all 16 matches. Remarkably, he was the only player to play the full 80 minutes in every game, racking up a total of 1,280 minutes on the field. "Playing every match last season gave me confidence," he reflected.

This season, Fifita has appeared in all 10 matches, with seven starts and three appearances off the bench, alternating between center (six games) and wing (four games). "Fossy(Ian Foster) told me, ‘Be ready to play in different positions,’ so my response was simple: just let me play anytime." Now an indispensable member of the backline, his versatility is a key asset for the team.

Brave Lupus, the reigning League One champions, present a formidable challenge. "They are a high-level team, and this week, we've been focusing on defense," said Fifita. Among the opposition's starting lineup are prop Yuta Kokaji and full-back Takuro Matsunaga, former teammates from his time at Tenri University, where they secured the university’s first-ever championship. Matsunaga, in particular, has been in outstanding form, ranking second in League One for both meters gained and line breaks. "I'm really happy to see them performing well, but Matsunaga has been an incredible player since our university days. I'll stop him," he said determinedly. Slowing down Matsunaga, along with dangerous runners like winger Jone Naikabula and center Setareki Tamanivalu, will be crucial for Verblitz.

Fifita’s center comrade, Nicholas McCurran, spent his bye week at the beach in Melbourne. "It was a great way to refresh." Facing his former club, he acknowledged their well-structured playing style. "For us, it’s all about tackling, being physical, and shutting down their key players."

Verblitz’s previous match against Urayasu D-Rocks exposed some defensive frailties. Despite leading 28-0, they conceded three consecutive tries. Coach Foster pointed out, "when we've had yellow cards, our defense got a little bit too frantic at times and we're just learning how to trust ourselves when we're one man down."

Brave Lupus will feature flanker, Shannon Frizell and fly-half Richie Mo’unga, both of whom played under Foster when he was head coach of the All Blacks. “I have so much respect for those two the way they play. But, rugby is a game in that you can't overly focus on two individuals. You have to focus on the team, Foster stated.

In the back row, Verblitz will counter with a blend of youth and experience: debut starter Keito Aoki, the returning Michael Hooper, and Akito Okui at number eight. Aoki, a recent early-entry signing, made his Verblitz debut off the bench in the previous match, wearing the 19 jersey. This week, he earns his first start as a blindside flanker. “We just want him to smile and enjoy doing what he enjoys in the park," said Foster. “Carry strong, move quick, and hit with your shoulders and it's that simple. We trust him, that's why we put him in there."

Though Verblitz has yet to defeat Brave Lupus in League One, their clashes in the former Top League were fierce physical battles. With the annual Raijin Festival drawing in a large crowd at Toyota Stadium, they will look to rekindle that intensity in front of their home fans.