On January 7, 2025, all eyes will be on Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka as the final match of the 104th National High School Rugby Tournament will take place, pitting the storied rivals Tokai University Osaka against Toin Gakuen. With both teams having showcased formidable skill and prowess throughout the tournament, anticipation is at its peak for what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Determined to reclaim their championship glory, Tokai University Osaka, also known as Aoyama High School, seeks to earn its seventh title after being absent from the top spot for three consecutive tournaments. Head coach Daichi Yuasa, who has led the team to four championships since taking over and is only 43 years old, reflects on past failures as catalysts for their current ambitions. "感動しました！" he said, expressing pride and excitement for his team.
On the other hand, Toin Gakuen, the defending champions from Kanagawa, aim to solidify their dominance by securing their fifth title during consecutive tournaments. Their recent semifinal victory against Kokugakuin Tochigi was marked by strategic gameplay and resilience, proving their determination to defend their title.
The path to the final has not been easy for either team. Tokai University Osaka faced fierce competition, narrowly beating rival Joyo Gakuen 29-26 after enduring intense late-game pressure and penalties. Notable players, such as joint captain Rui Yoshida, who said, "やっと最後の舞台に立てる。日本一を掲げてきたので、最後、会場全体を染められたら" (Finally getting to the last stage. We aim to be the best, so if we can color the entire venue at the end...), are pivotal to their plans, as Yoshida has been instrumental throughout the tournament.
The match will mark the third encounter between these two prestigious schools, with Tokai having won the previous two encounters. Nonetheless, Toin Gakuen has edged Tokai during practice matches leading up to this tournament, creating palpable tension. Coach Yuasa admits the rivalry intensifies with each match, stating the significance of perfecting their strategy to counter Toin Gakuen's formidable defense.
The buildup to the final has seen players and coaches emphasizing the need for disciplined play, particularly avoiding unnecessary penalties, which could turn the momentum of the match. With the stakes riding high, both squads have trained relentlessly, fine-tuning their tactics to seize victory on the day.
Fans of high school rugby will be eager to see how this dynamic rivalry will unfurl as both teams step onto the field, their histories intertwining to create one of the season's definitive matches. The anticipation is palpable and fans from both schools will fill the stadium, alongside supporters from across Japan. Each tackle, pass, and try could potentially swing the match's outcome, making this final not just another game, but rather, a testimony to the spirit of high school rugby.
Regardless of the outcome, the match signifies much more than just competition; it demonstrates the hard work, dedication, and camaraderie built upon the rugby field. The winner will not only carry home the championship trophy but will also etch their names in the annals of high school rugby history.