Hopes for Japan rugby in three years’ time
The men’s Rugby World Cup (hereafter, RWC) 2019 Japan Tournament against Scotland @ Yokohama.The jubilation when Japan secured their spot in the knockout stage, and the heartbreak when they suffered a narrow defeat against Argentina, sealing their elimination from the RWC 2023 in France.Having experienced both moments firsthand, I can’t help but hope to see the team bring that joy, excitement, and pride to the entire nation once again.
Players singing the national anthem at their first match as the new Eddie Japan team
The true essence of the RWC lies in its ability to excite the identity and spirit of the Japanese people—not just for the players and staff, but for us supporters as well.
With the members who experienced the overflowing elation of RWC 2019, almost all departed, Eddie Jones, who knows both the struggles and the joy, has been reappointed as head coach. Together with Michael Leitch (Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo), the captain of the new team, how will he pass on his experience and leadership?The time has come to think about Japan’s rugby three years from now.
Michael Leitch, captain of the new Eddie Japan team
After an intensive training camp in Miyazaki, the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2024 kicked off at the Japan National Stadium.Conversely, it’s about breaking away from the reliance on past experience.This time, the expectations are endless: from the generational shift led by first-cap players such as Waseda University’s Yoshitaka Yazaki, to the resurgence and breakthroughs of players who have yet to fully showcase their potential on the national team.
The debut of the new Eddie Japan attracted 44,000 spectators
Before the match, the image of the new Team Japan and the players to watch
In the first match of the Challenge Cup 2024 against England, we would like to support Yazaki, Seungsin Lee (Kobelco Kobe Steelers), Takuya Yamasawa (Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights), and of course Michael Leitch.
Takuya Yamasawa (Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights) holds the key to the future of the Japan national team
In addition, players selected from various teams in Japan Rugby League One, who have faced or learned from ultra-world-class star players as opponents or teammates, are expected to have further elevated their skills and confidence through such experiences.
With my heart filled with anticipation, I watched the players warm up on the pitch at the Japan National Stadium and could hardly wait for the match to begin.
Thoughts on Eddie’s return and a few memories from watching the World Cup in the past
When discussing the RWC, one has to talk about Head Coach Eddie’s return, as we shouldn’t forget that he defeated the South African team in 2015.I think most Japanese rugby fans are hoping that they can experience that joy and the impact it had on the world once again, and go even further than that.
It might only be my imagination, but I think that Head Coach Eddie and I have a strong affinity. Looking back at the RWC matches I’ve watched in the past, I’m proud of my record of six wins and one loss in the seven matches I’ve watched in the last four tournaments.I hope we can continue this affinity and give a boost to the tournament to be held in Head Coach Eddie’s home country of Australia.
Head Coach Eddie Jones gazing up at the stands before a match
[Win] RWC 2007 France
In the final match between South Africa and England @ Stade de France for which Eddie joined as a staff member, South Africa won and took the championship.
[Win] RWC 2015 England
Of course, this featured a match between the Japanese and South African national teams that became known as the “Miracle of Brighton”Japan (ranked 13th), which had previously won one World Cup match and lost 16 in a row with two draws, caused a major upset by defeating South Africa (ranked 3rd), which had won the RWC twice before, by 34-32. This match had a greater impact than any other World Cup match I have ever seen, including soccer matches.
Eddie came to Japan for the 2019 Japan tournament as the head coach of the England national team.
[Win] England vs Argentina @ Tokyo in the pool stage
[Win] Ireland vs Australia @ Oita in the quarter finals
[Win] England vs New Zealand @ Yokohama in the semi finals
[Loss] Ireland vs South Africa @ Yokohama in the final
[Win] RWC 2023 France
Australia vs Georgia in the pool stage.He managed the Australian national team and was expected to make a breakthrough in the next tournament to be held in his home country. Yet he failed to live up to the expectations of his home country as the team was eliminated in the league round.
RWC 2023: Australia vs Georgia in the first match of Pool D
Together with 44,029 fans
As soon as I got off at JR Sendagaya Station,I encountered the atmosphere of many fans wearing JAPAN jerseys heading to the Japan National Stadium, which is reminiscent of a Japan national team soccer match.I am excited to see Japan is becoming closer to atmosphere of international tournaments I’ve attended around the world and to meeting the expectations of fans.
The fan base is also wide-ranging, including families with children and groups of young women, and I really feel that this is the result of the strengthening and awareness-raising activities in the men’s rugby world since the RWC 2019 was held in Japan.
Kid’s rugby classes that have become a familiar scene before matches
That said, when you compare the number of caps the players have before the match, there is still a big difference.Even though the superstars Owen Farrell and George Ford are not participating, I have the impression that the gap will be even wider than when the team played in Nice, France, at the last RWC.I’m a bit concerned that the forwards in particular will be at a considerable disadvantage due to the gap in experience and physique.
However, the Japanese team, which overturned my prediction, attacking aggressively from the kick-off and was playing powerfully, scoring a penalty goal in the 1st minute of the game.The first scrum in the 3rd minute of the first half was even! The team was able to form a solid scrum, foreshadowing a steady battle to come.
The Japanese national team forwards put up a good fight, which had been a cause for concern
The 44,029 fans who packed the venue also seemed to be aware of the difference in experience between the team’s forwards, and they clapped in unison to cheer on the scrum.The team also removed the ball quickly from the first scrum, and the tempo of the passing was good!
With the atmosphere in the stadium dominated by the feeling that “we can do it!”, Team Japan chose a lineout from a penalty at the 7th minute of the first half.The crowd erupted with cheers as the team secured possession of the ball and drove the maul toward a try.
Play continued mostly within England’s territory for until just after the10th minute of the first half.I think it was a great decision to choose to kick, and the area management was also top notch.
Indeed, in the press conference after the match, Head Coach Eddie reflected, “I was satisfied with our performance up to the 15th minute of the first half,” while England Head Coach Steve Borthwick acknowledged the strength of Team Japan, admitting, “It took us a little time to adapt.”
Japan scores a penalty goal in the game’s 1st minute
However, in the 13th minute of the first half, England scored a try on their first attacking play within Japan’s 22-meter line.The power, momentum, and unity of purpose they showed in the crucial moments were truly impressive.Team Japan got off to an outstanding start and maintained play in England’s territory with good momentum, but only managed to score three points from a penalty goal and couldn’t get a try.Meanwhile, England converted for seven points on their first opportunity.This was the deciding juncture of the match and the difference in the current team’s strengths.
From here, England’s stand-off Marcus Smith made good decisions and ran well, and kicked with great accuracy, scoring three tries and quickly sealing the victory.
England’s Marcus Smith displayed his high-precision play with his passes and kicks
Kicking away the heavy mood
A somewhat heavy mood lingered in the stands as the score gap widened in the first half. However, when Rikiya Matsuda (formerly of Saitama Wild Knights) and Yamasawa began warming up, shouts of “Yamasawa, we’re counting on you!” echoed through the stands, reigniting the energy.
That said, the lack of chants or songs at international tournaments like those heard at the World Cup or Six Nations tournaments is something that we fans in Japan need to address.
It’s time for us fans to learn how to cheer in a world-class way
Whenever England is playing, you can hear a chorus of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” as a matter of course. And when Ireland or France are playing, the whole stadium is also filled with song. It’s a shame that this kind of spectator culture has not yet taken root in Japan.The organizers tried to fire up the crowd through messages on the screen. But the atmosphere felt a bit lacking as the support remained limited to the prearranged cheers displayed, leaving a slightly sad feeling.
Team Japan continued to attack fearlessly despite the widening score gap and the game effectively being decided. In the 14th minute of the second half, winger Jone Naikabula (Toshiba Brave Lupus) broke through the defense and came within a few meters of scoring a try, demonstrating the team’s determination to seize every available opportunity.
In the 20th and 25th minutes of the second half, as two players entered the pitch in quick succession, the supporters reached their peak excitement of the match.
Rikiya Matsuda, a member of the RWC team received cheers from the warmup
Finally, during this period, center Koga Nezuka (Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay) scored a try to regain the momentum. Then, in the 29th minute, Warner Dearns (Toshiba Brave Lupus) used his height to intercept the ball, broke through the middle, and passed to Yamasawa for a try!
Interception by Warner Dearns taking advantage of his height
The new Team Japan struck back in the second half, but they were unable to win the first match of this summer’s Challenge Cup, falling 17-52.
Eddie looks back on the launch of the new Team Japan
At the post-match press conference, Head Coach Eddie shared his long-term vision, saying that it was only the 10th day of the four-year cycle leading up to the RWC, and that “everything is a process to achieve results at the next World Cup.”
Both Japan and England representatives praised Japan’s performance in the first 15 minutes, with Head Coach Eddie highlighting the positive outcome, “The hard work and commitment to our new high-speed rugby approach were flawless, and we were able to demonstrate that it can be effective even against England.”
Head Coach Eddie and Captain Michael Leitch fielding questions at the post-match press conference
However, Head Coach Eddie also shared some frustration, noting, “We need to raise our skill capacity (both physically and mentally). We will keep improving with each match, and practice is everything.”
He highlighted the potential of less-capped players and university players without professional experience, having selected them for their talent and skills. Eddie then called out Takeuchi, Tamefusa, and Moriyama, affirming, “I will boost their motivation and encourage their growth.”
Team Japan players greet their fans after the England match
It seemed that his aim was to make other players also aware of their own potential and instill a sense of expectation and thus deepen the player pool across all positions.In fact, Head Coach Eddie says, “The player pool is still shallow right now, and we’ll need three players for each position by 2027.”
The matches with the overseas rivals continue!
After the first match, the new Team Japan has clarified its issues and the gap between it and the powerhouse nations.
These include developing the ability to capitalize in game-determining moments with decisive execution and focus, converting on every opportunity, and not giving the opponent momentum from simple mistakes.I look forward to the growth of the new Japan national team and will continue to support them until RWC 2027.
The Japanese national team players still have a lot of room to grow
Although they are a young team with limited experience, I sincerely hope that they will face the world’s top players in League One, absorb the skills they learn, and show overseas rivals their true strength with confidence. With that thought, I left the Japan National Stadium.
*Upcoming schedule for the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2024
June 29 (Sat) JAPAN XV vs Maori All Blacks @ Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium
July 6 (Sat) JAPAN XV vs Maori All Blacks @ Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium
July 13 (Sat) Japan vs Georgia @ Yurtec Stadium Sendai
July 21 (Sat) Japan vs Italy @ Sapporo Dome
