A reliable leader is back. Toyota Verblitz announced their squad for the April 13th clash against Black Rams Tokyo at ZOZO Park Honda Stadium in Ichihara. Number-eight and captain Kazuki Himeno makes his long-awaited return after three months, joining Keito Aoki and Michael Hooper in the back row.
The captain returns in poetic fashion—against the same side where he picked up an injury in the second half of Round 4 on January 11th. “I think there’s no doubt that everyone’s got a little extra bounce in their step because he’s a wonderful part of the team and we’ve missed him,” said Head Coach Steve Hansen, who welcomed the shift in mood. That said, Hansen cautioned against placing too much on Himeno’s shoulders in his comeback game. “Just picking one or two things to do really well rather than trying to do everything when you first come back.”
The past three months away from the pitch have been a test of patience—for both the team and Himeno himself. “I express my leadership on the field. Not being able to be out there, especially when the results weren’t coming, was incredibly frustrating,” Himeno reflected. But the time off wasn’t without its silver linings. One of them was watching the growth of the leadership group and younger players. “Guys like Aoki, Komura, Miki, and Okui have stepped up, which has really boosted the team’s competitiveness. I just want them to focus on playing their own game. And their rise gave leaders like Hooper, Aaron, Hikosaka, and Miura a chance to grow into their leadership roles. The results haven’t followed yet, but I believe we’ve made a step forward.”
Himeno also experienced personal growth. Early in his recovery, he observed games from the coach’s box. Once he could move around more, he took on water duties. “I’d never really had the chance to view the team from that perspective, so it was a valuable experience. Mentally, I grew a lot, and I gained a deeper understanding of the game. Watching the game with Steve and Fozzy (Foster) helped me develop my decision-making as a captain—like recognizing what’s needed and when.”
The Black Rams game will also be his first time taking the field alongside Michael Hooper.
“He’s been someone I’ve looked up to since I was a kid. I’m really excited,” Himeno said with a smile. In the 2021 season when Hooper played for Verblitz, Himeno was away playing for the Highlanders in New Zealand, so the two missed each other. “Looking back, I’m glad I made that decision, but one regret was not getting to play with Hoops. His work rate and tackle quality are next-level. I want to learn everything I can and keep growing as a player. Himeno continues to evolve, both as a player and as a leader.
Also attending the press conference was Joseph Manu, the team’s leading try-scorer with 10 tries. In the last round against the Wild Knights, he scored again off a cross-kick from fly-half Shinya Komura. “I think one of his strengths is playing eyes up, seeing what's in front of him, and kicking.” As for Manu, his strengths lie in high-ball takes and aerial contests, skills that were vital in his former career in rugby league. “I got to train there a lot, but I always enjoyed jumping in the air and contesting kicks,” Manu said. Their recent tries have been the result of their combined strengths. Manu played as a centre through Round 9, shifted to the wing in Round 10 against the D-Rocks, and the combination with Komura started from Round 11 when he came off the bench as the fly-half. “I’m learning a lot from Fozzy and our coaches but I don't know what's my best seated position yet,” he added.
There are more reasons than ever to keep an eye on the next round.
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