The 57th Japan University Rugby Championship Semi-final Review
The semi-finals of the 57th Japan University Rugby Championship took place on Saturday, 2 January 2021 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo with Waseda University and Tenri University winning their respective matches.
In the first semi-final, Waseda University edged out Teikyo University 33-27 to progress to the final where they will attempt to defend their title. Teikyo posted first points with an early penalty, but three converted tries pushed Waseda ahead 21-6 by the half-hour mark. However, a late penalty try to Teikyo left the game evenly poised at halftime with Waseda leading 21-13. Teikyo went on to take the second half 14-12, but Waseda had enough points on the board to secure the win. Hooker Kaito Miyatake scored the first two tries for Waseda while fullback Ryosuke Kawase also crossed the Teikyo whitewash twice. Centre Nicholas McCurran was among the try scorers for Teikyo.
In the second semi-final, Tenri University upset Kanto Taiko League top seed Meiji University 41-15 to take their place in the final next Monday. Tenri were in control throughout as they built on a 19-5 lead at the break that became 31-5 ten minutes into the second half. From that point on, the result was never in doubt. Tenri outscored Meiji six tries to three with right wing Gennosuke Tsuchihashi and hooker Ko Sato both scoring braces. Flyhalf Takuro Matsunaga chipped in with 16 points from a try, four conversions and a penalty goal.
The final sees defending champions Waseda University take on the challenge of Tenri University on Monday, 11 January 2021, a national holiday for Coming of Age Day, at the National Stadium in Tokyo with a 1:15 PM kick-off.
Waseda University 33 d. Teikyo University 27
Date: Saturday, 2 January 2021
Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Tokyo
Kick-off: 12:20
Tenri University 41 d. Meiji University 15
Date: Saturday, 2 January 2021
Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, Tokyo
Kick-off: 14:45