Toyota Verblitz has announced its 23-man squad for the match against Yokohama Canon Eagles on March 28th at Crasus Dome Oita.Toyota Verblitz has announced its 23-man squad for the match against Yokohama Canon Eagles on March 28th at Crasus Dome Oita.
Shinya Komura, an early entry fly-half from Teikyo University, will make his first start and wear the 10 jersey. Local talent Yusuke Kizu, a prop from Yufu High School in Oita, returns to the starting lineup for the first time since the season opener. Isaia Mapusua, who came off the bench last week after recovering from injury, will start at 8. Hooker Yoshikatsu Hikosaka, the game captain, also returns to the starting lineup.
Head coach Steve Hansen praised Komura’s handling skills first and foremost. “He's got nice quick hands. The ball goes in and out of his very quickly. He's happy to play on top and doesn't get too deep when he doesn't need to. His speed, footwork, and kicking game are also good.” Hansen remarked, giving him high marks across the board.
Komura himself remains unfazed. “I don’t feel particularly nervous. If I can just do what I’ve always done, that should be enough.” His direct matchup will be against Japan’s veteran playmaker Yu Tamura. “Back in university, we often played training matches against the Eagles. Tamura-san has incredible vision, and great skills, and is an outstanding player. I’m excited for the chance to face him.” Determined to make an impact as a rookie, he added, “I want to bring energy to the team.” The young prince takes on the established king.
Isaia Mapusua injured his shoulder ahead of the Round 9 match against Kobe S and has been sidelined since. After returning as a reserve last week, he now reclaims a starting spot. “We reviewed this week about getting a good depth right on the attack,” Mapusua explained. “We know they're going to come with good line speed as they always do, so we have to stay calm on attack.” Komura’s ability to control the game will play a key role in that.
The Eagle’s game captain will be flanker Masato Furukawa, a former teammate at Verblitz until last season. “Happy to see him succeeding and playing well for Cannon. He was a good leader while he was here too and I’m looking forward to going to battle against him on Sunday,” Mapusua said. A key battle to watch will be between Furukawa and his mentor, Michael Hooper.
Prop Yusuke Kizu, who has been absent from the starting lineup since the season opener due to injury, will make his return in front of his home crowd in Oita. “He is a quality player when he's in that frame of mind. He's going back to his hometown, which should excite him as well,” Hansen commented.
Among the returnees, one ever-present figure remains—prop Shogo Miura. Holding 66 League One caps, Miura has been named in the match-day squad for every game since the league’s inception four seasons ago. “Maybe I’m just lucky,” he joked. “I work closely with the medical and S&C staff to manage my body, which helps prevent injuries.” Notably, his streak of appearances means he has never needed to play in a ‘Mirai Match’ (a developmental fixture). Last December, Miura welcomed his first daughter. “During the season, sleep is crucial, so my wife lets me sleep in a separate room. Her support at home makes a huge difference,” he shared, expressing gratitude.
Injuries have plagued Verblitz through the middle of the season, but the squad is gradually regaining strength. “(Kosei) Miki shouldn't be too far away. (Kazuki) Himeno is back running at some repeated speed, so we just have to build up his strength. Tups(William Tupou) could be back by the end of April. (Daichi) Akiyama should be back in the next couple of weeks and (Akito) Okui as well, by the end of April” Hansen provided an update.
With reinforcements on the horizon, Verblitz is gearing up for a late-season push.
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