Rugby University Championship Meiji and Waseda advance to the final on January 11 January 19:07
Rugby's university championship deciding Japan's best in Japan was held in two semi-final games, with Meiji University and Waseda University aiming for two consecutive victories, each winning the first time in 23 tournaments. .
The two semifinals of the National University Championship were held at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Field in Minato-ku, Tokyo, and were attended by about 20,000 spectators.
In the first match, Waseda University and Tenri University played against each other, and immediately after the start of the game, Tenri University attacked, but in the first half 10 minutes, Waseda University took the first attempt.
Waseda also took off three roads in the first half alone, showing off-road passes that continued while receiving tackles.
Even in the second half, Waseda University's momentum did not stop, pushing the line at the mall at once and overtaking Tenri University in the second half, overwhelming Tenri University, and Waseda University won 52-14, the final in six tournaments I decided to advance.
"I am glad to be able to overcome the last year, which was rejected by the semi-finals, and be able to win firmly. As the team has continued to grow step by step, it is only nine more to the final I would like to do my best to show Waseda's culmination in a spirit of challenger so that I won't regret for a day. "
Captain Naoto Saito said, “Tenri University was a hard-working team and set the ball firmly and turned the ball out as he attacked. Last year was in the semi-finals, and until the finals I had never experienced it before, so everyone was looking forward to it I would like to be the best in Japan and spend my best preparations. "
In the second game, Meiji University, aiming for two consecutive victories, played against Tokai University. In the first four minutes, Tokai opened the scoring with a penalty goal, but Meiji University reversed with two attempts and turned the first half 17-3.
In the latter half, Meiji University was fouled and there was one less player, but he was overwhelmed by his defensive defense.
Meiji University won the match three times in a row, winning 29-10.
As a result, the finals held at the National Stadium on the 11th of this month will be the first match between Meiji University and Waseda University's traditional schools in 23 tournaments.
Coach Sumika Tanaka of Meiji University commented, "I think it was a real struggle. I was glad to challenge the strong Tokai and win the race, and I am glad to advance to the finals. I want to be prepared without regrets. "
Captain Hyuga Takei commented on the scene where the second half was temporarily fouled off and one player left, saying, "I think this was a key point in this match, but I'm willing to say" I'll fix it here "rather than" Yabai. " I had given up until now, but I'm glad I was patient and I felt the growth of Scrum. "
Then, for the final, "I'm glad I can play Waseda at the new national stadium, but every team will just play Meiji rugby. It looks like that. "