Keio University has made headlines after securing a convincing 50-26 victory over Toyo University, marking their advancement to the quarterfinals of the 2024 National University Rugby Championship. This significant match took place on December 14 at the esteemed Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. Keio, positioned fourth in the Kanto league, demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, scoring eight tries against their rivals, who finished second in the Kanto league.
The match started with Keio seizing control early on. Within the first five minutes, hooker Daiki Nakayama dotted down for the opening try. The team continued to dominate, with center Ryuhei Konno scoring consecutive tries at the 20 and 22-minute marks, helping Keio to lead 35-7 at halftime. The second half saw no let-up from Keio as they maintained their offensive pressure, highlighted by winger Shinnosuke Ishigaki’s stunning interception, leading to an impressive 80-meter solo try.
Coach Akira Kobayashi expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We executed our game plan to perfection, and our players were unstoppable today. This win boosts our confidence heading to the quarterfinals where we face the four-time defending champions, Teikyo University." The matchup against Teikyo is set for December 21, promising to be a thrilling contest as both teams seek to assert their dominance.
On the same day, the championship showcased other notable encounters. Meiji University, ranked third in the Kanto league, faced off against Tokai University, where both teams were determined to make their mark. Despite Tokai’s efforts to rebound from previous setbacks, Meiji’s experience and tactical acumen led to their advancement, marking their 53rd consecutive appearance at this prestigious tournament.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Highlights
The quarterfinals will see various key matchups throughout the tournament. Meiji, after their triumphant performance, will aim to recover from heartbreak last season when they narrowly lost to Teikyo and Waseda Universities. Fielding young talent along with experienced players, Meiji hopes to leverage their momentum against Tokai, who recently overcame challenges to secure their place.
Keio and Teikyo’s game stands out not only due to the contrasting styles of play but also for the rich history between the teams. Teikyo, having claimed the title four times consecutively, is determined to fend off Keio's challenge and maintain their reign at the championship. Teikyo head coach Tomoya Nishida remarked, "Our focus will be to exploit any weaknesses Keio might show. They are formidable, but we aim to play our game."
The championship is set to continue with semifinals scheduled for January 2 at the National Stadium, with the finals taking place on January 13 at Chichibunomiya. Both events are anticipated to showcase the thrilling rugby action as teams vie for the title.
Conclusion
With the excitement building for the quarterfinals, fans and students alike are rallying behind their teams. Keio University’s recent performance has set the bar high, but as history shows, anything can happen during this riveting tournament. The passion and rivalry exhibited during these matches not only highlight the talent among university teams but also the spirit of rugby culture thriving within Japan.
