League One Rising Match Report vs Hino Red Dolphins

Taichi Takahashi Captains the Side for the First Time

“I realised just how difficult it is.”

On 31st of October, Toyota Verblitz faced Hino Red Dolphins in their second League One Rising match at Toyota Sports Center, claiming a 118-10 victory.

The match against Hino Red Dolphins also served as the clubs' annual fixture. Under strong sunshine, Verblitz scored 18 tries over the 80 minutes. In the first half, fly-half Aidan Morgan successfully converted 6 of the team's 8 tries. In the second half, Rikiya Matsuda, making his first appearance of the season, converted 8 of the team's 10 tries as Verblitz passed the 100-point mark.

Fullback Taichi Takahashi served as game captain. It was, in fact, the first time he had ever captained a team, including his high school and university days. “I think I got the job by process of elimination because I was the only leader in the team,” he said with a laugh. “It made me realise just how difficult it is to be captain. In the huddle, it’s hard to work out what the team needs at that moment and say the right thing at the right time. During a game, you’re out of breath, so having to think clearly while under fatigue was difficult. But it was a valuable experience.”

The match also marked Takahashi’s return from the leg injury he suffered against Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Round 17 last season on 2nd of May. “I did my rehab properly, so I was able to go into the game without any concerns.”

In the 21st minute, Takahashi received a pass from Morgan and scored his first try since returning from injury. “It was put on a plate for me,” he said.

Four minutes later, near their own goal line, he and centre Tui Palesoo forced an opposition player who had broken through at speed into touch, drawing a big reaction from the stands.

His pace remains a major weapon on both sides of the ball.

This season, fullback Ryuji Noguchi has joined the team.

“His ability under the high ball was such a threat when we played against him, so I’m pretty happy that he isn’t on the other side anymore.” Takahashi said with a laugh.

High-ball catching is also one of Takahashi’s strengths.

“It’s a good thing to have so many backs who are confident under the high ball.”

This season we may even see the exciting combination of Takahashi at #14 and Noguchi at #15.

Rookie hooker Hanpei Nishino, Takahashi’s junior from Meiji University, made his first start for the club and played the full 40 minutes of the first half. Although he played in Mirai Matches last season, all of those appearances came from the bench, and his playing time was limited. “I was given the chance to play for a longer period. I was nervous because it was my first start, but I was able to play the way I normally do.”

Nishino was satisfied with his scrummaging and general play, two areas he has taken confidence from since his university days and also demonstrated his ability as a ball carrier. His throwing, however, remains an area for improvement.

“I tried to focus on my throwing process in the strong wind, but I wasn’t able to throw with my usual technique. That’s an area I want to improve.”

Competition at hooker is fierce. Co-captain Yoshikatsu Hikosaka and the experienced Ryusei Kato are two promising options, while Schalk Erasmus and Jone Kerevi add further depth. Shintaro Fukuzawa and Jonas Tanaka Dowling, two players close to Nishino in age, both appeared in the second half of this match. Competition for the #2 jersey among the young hookers is also intense.

Watching from the sideline after halftime, Nishino found plenty of inspiration in the performances of his fellow hookers. “Everyone has different strengths, and they were still able to execute their lineout throws properly despite the strong wind. There are things I can learn from them. Hopefully we can keep pushing each other to improve.” The journey continues alongside trusted teammates as they push each other to keep improving.

Blair Ryall was named Player of the Match by the opposition captain. He played at No. 8 throughout the first half and moved to lock in the 60th minute.

“My best position would probably be somewhere in the loose forwards, but I’m happy to play wherever.” His aggressiveness around the ball and his speed are both highest qualities. Having started all three of the team’s matches so far, against Shizuoka BlueRevs in League One Rising and Urayasu D-Rocks in a preseason game, Ryall is emerging as one of the leading candidates to make a breakthrough in League One this season.