◇ Section 14 ◇ 23rd ◇ Nissan Stadium ◇ Audience 8299
Until the previous section, the 4th place Yokohama Canon Eagles (formerly Canon) lost to the 3rd place Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights (formerly Panasonic). The day before, Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo (formerly Toshiba) won and became provisional 4th place, and Yokohama, which had retreated to 5th place, could not emerge as it was.
The first half of the match against Saitama was overwhelming in offense and defense. 17-3 and lead. Only 3 minutes after the start, Hooker Yusuke Niwai took the first try, and 6 minutes later, WTB Chihito Matsui made an additional try. The defense was also disciplined, and he kept a close eye on the blind side to seal off the difficult enemy.
However, it was a rainy day in the second half when he brought in the lead. One mistake, one penalty, one set piece will break down. In particular, the difference in scrum gradually became noticeable, and 30 points were lost only in the second half.
Director Keisuke Sawaki said, “I was dominated by Scrum. The difference in power was obvious. If it wasn’t broken there, I think it would have been a different development, but I have to accept it. Scrum gives momentum to the team. Second half. Was a complete defeat, Scrum admits that. “
Captain Yu Tamura also said, “I was happy to be able to play here (Nissan Su) as a home game.” However, I was confused by the result.
“While performing that much in the first half, in the second half … What is it for the first time since I came to rugby?” Niwai also said, “I knew that my opponent was strong in the second half, and even with a 14-point lead, I was saying,’Let’s start from the beginning in the second half.’ I was wary.” At the end, it was 9 points behind.
I fell to 5th place outside the service area to advance to the playoffs (PO) next month, but I can’t give up. Three teams including 4th place BL Tokyo and 6th place Toyota Verblitz (former Toyota) will compete for the remaining 1 slot.
Director Sawaki said, “If you play a game like that in the first half, you really have to win. To be positive, I think you need this kind of experience, but you need to be prepared as an organization. Even if you look down. I can’t help it. I’ve lost my strength, but I have no choice but to score 5 points. There is a possibility. I’ll hit this regret in the remaining two games. “
Tamura also said, “The opponent isn’t doing anything. We’ve collapsed from ourselves. Training is needed to win such a match. In the next match … I’ve been talking all this season, but it’s a little more. The organization is growing. Next, if there is such an opportunity, I have no choice but to make use of it. “
Although his own PO advancement has disappeared, the whereabouts of the ticket should not be known until the final section. Continue two games with five points and wait for the results of other venues.