The second season of Rugby League One is also the final game. After the regular season and the semifinals of the playoff tournament, the final will be played on 2 May at the National Stadium. The final card is Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights vs. Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay. The first- and second-place teams in the regular season have also advanced to the playoffs.
What's going on in the high-profile match?
We asked Mr. GOROMARUHO, former Japan national team, about the characteristics of both teams and the key points of the final.
Wild Knights dominance?
Former Japan representative Ayumu Goromaru
"Two teams that have been in really good form this season have come out on top, and I think the matchup card turned out exactly as expected. The game itself is very stable, so I think Wild Knights has a better chance of winning. In the semi-finals, Spears was quite depressed in terms of momentum in the second half. On the other hand, the Wild Knights had a very good ball possession rate and momentum throughout the match. I think these points will give us an advantage in the final. I think we can show each other's style or not, but if we keep Spears' pace, I think Spears can win by a narrow margin, and conversely, if we go at the pace of the Wild Knights, I think the Wild Knights will win back-to-back titles."
Features of Wild Knights Who are the key people?
The Wild Knights see Goroumaru as having the upper hand.
This season, they lost to Shizuoka Blue Revs 4-25 in a league match in April, and their winning streak in League One since last season was halted at 44.
Still, we lost only this one game. They finished the regular season in first place with a 30-1 record.
Japan Keita Inagaki
Of particular note is the number of goals conceded.
With 200 goals conceded, the only one in the league to be in the 270-point range, they have shown their strength based on their strong traditional defence.
Goroumaru is also paying attention to the way the match runs.
(Mr. Ayumu Goromaru)
"I think they are a team with a lot of kicks, and they have a good style of play, such as entering the opponent's half with kicks and converting balls that the opponent misses into tries."
Japan National Team Rikiya Matsuda
"The key man is Rikiya Matsuda, who is also a stand-off. How he makes good games and how he uses the good players. Throughout the 80 minutes, I think the timing and choice of play will be very important in this final stage. Matsuda has expanded his range of play, scoring a drop goal in the semi-final. I have the impression that he has been leading the team with a very consistent play this season."
How the Wild Knights fought in the semi-finals
In the semi-final of the playoff tournament against the Yokohama Canon Eagles, they conceded a lead in the first half, but scored five tries in the second half to win 5-51. It is said that rugby is one of its strengths.
Japan National Team HORIE Shota
(Mr. Ayumu Goromaru) "In the second half, when the opponent's feet stopped, I tried to fold it, but I felt that it was a good idea.
There was also a scene where they scored a try in a quick break after scoring a penalty. I think the style of the champions Wild Knights is to take chances and increase the gap before you know it. From the point of view of the opponent I'm fighting, I don't feel like I've lost much, but before I know it, I'm losing. We don't lose pace throughout the game. Anyway, if the opponent has a chance, we can score from anywhere. I think that's one of its strengths."
【Click here for details】Semifinals Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights × Yokohama Canon Eagles
What are the characteristics of Spears and who are the key people?
Meanwhile, Spears, who advanced to the final for the first time, will challenge the champions.
This season, they advanced to the playoffs in second place with 14 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw in the regular season, and won a hard-fought match against Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in the semifinals.
In 2 regular season games, they scored a league-high 16 goals.
TACHIKAWA Rimichi Captain
Only Spears scored in the 1-point range among the 12 Division 600 teams. Forward-based offense poses a threat to opponents.
"The Spears are the biggest team in League One, with a lot of big players, and they have strengths in contact play that overwhelms opponents and scrums."
South Africa National Team Malcolm MARKS
"The hooker has Malcolm Marks of the South African national team, and he is a player who can score tries, so I think Spears will build the final around the forwards. I think the more opportunities Malcolm Marks has with the ball, the more chances he has."
Spears' performance in the semi-final
In the semifinals of the playoff tournament, the Spears' defensive side showed the team's strengths.
"I felt that the defense was confident in the front, and even if there was a lot of space outside, I think the way they just stepped forward and defended without looking at the space is very typical of Spears."
【Click here for details】Semifinals Kubota Spears Funabashi / Tokyo Bay × Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath
World Cup Year: Focus on players who are expected to perform well
The final will be held less than four months before the World Cup, which starts in September.
Both teams have players who are expected to play for the Japan national team, as well as representatives of strong teams such as South Africa and Australia.
Goromaru says that world-class clashes are also a point of attention.
Former Japan representative Ayumu Goromaru
(Mr. Ayumu Goromaru) "It is also a place to appeal because it is the final match of the domestic league before the World Cup, but the players of the world's strongest teams are now playing in League One.
It is also a chance to work hard with these players before the World Cup. Our priority is to win the match, but I want them to have the mentality to compete against them when we stand at the World Cup in September. Japan It's the highest stage, so I want the players to play as hard as they can, and I want the fans to cheer them on and send them to the World Cup in France."