How Japan Can Upset B&I Lions and More Rugby News

June 25, 2021

Japan Men’s 15 rugby team will be facing the British and Irish Lions in an exciting test match Saturday. It is Japan’s first trip to the UK since 2018 when they faced England and Russia in Autumn test matches. With 16,500 screaming fans watching on, this is a great opportunity for the Brave Blossoms to do what they do best. Score an upset victory. So, here is what I’ll be watching for come Saturday.

Japan Needs a Full Team Effort to Win

In a test match two weeks ago, Japan defeated club team Sunwolves 32-17 at Shizuoka Stadium. However, they found themselves down 14-3 at halftime before scoring 29 points in the second half. Spreading the ball around is one of their strengths and it’s how three different players got tries for the Brave Blossoms.

Japan Men's Rugby 15 team posing after beating Sunwolves at Shizuoka
Japan Men’s Rugby 15 team posing after beating Sunwolves // Photo Credit to Japanese Rugby Football Union

If Japan is going to upset the Lions, they’ll need to play team rugby. Certainly, this is a team that can do it. For example, in their game against Scotland in 2019, the Blossoms showed a tremendous level of passing and communicating. Most importantly, they didn’t quit when they fell behind early in the match.

That is to say, Japan will be ready. This is their first time playing the Lions and you have to think they’re excited about the opportunity. It will be a fantastic match and if the Blossoms can start strong while playing good team rugby, there’s a good chance for an upset.

Quest for Gold: Rugby Sevens Event

This Friday also marks the start of Quest for Gold, a rugby sevens event ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It is taking place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, home of the USA Sevens stop. Four men’s and women’s teams will be competing as they tune up for the Summer Olympics.

USA Rugby 7's Squad training ahead of Quest for Gold
USA Men’s Rugby 7’s team training ahead of Quest for Gold // Photo Credit to USA Rugby

On the men’s side, teams competing include the US, Korea, Great Britain, and Argentina. Meanwhile, the US, Jamaica, Great Britain, and Mexico will be participating in the women’s tournament. Originally, Kenya’s men’s and women’s teams were scheduled to take part but were forced to withdraw due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a result, Mexico’s women’s team is taking their spot.

The men’s teams are competing in a round-robin format. Therefore, the country that finishes with the most points by the end of the weekend will be declared the winner. However, for the women’s teams, there is going to be a championship with Saturday’s games determining who will face off for the title. The bottom two teams will meet in the 3rd Place game while the top teams will battle in the Women’s Championship Final.

Conclusion

Things are picking up again in rugby sevens and it’s great to see. We’ll have more coverage as we inch closer to the Summer Olympics with the first match set to kick off July 26th. In addition, the Japan-Lions match is the start of what should be an exciting summer of 15’s rugby, both men’s and women’s. Check out the Speak Your Peace YouTube channel to see our previews and reviews of matches.

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