Japanese Rugby
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@higgins - does Franks need a spare million bucks ... maybe he can suit up?
Tevita Li carved it for the Suntory Beaudens and seemingly has three cherry blossoms in the mail.
Beaudy starred as himself but also made quite a few errors. He owed them that kick in the end, imo.
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Interesting article. And a game to watch on Sunday servo!
https://thechaserugby.com/2021/04/02/statistical-analysis-wayne-smiths-rugby-blueprint/
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I've just finished watching the Kobe-Panasonic game I recorded. A pity about the weather but entertaining anyway. BBBR is still a menace in the mauls and won a couple of lineouts against the throw. Some of the reserves for both teams (e.g., hookers) are a big step down from the starters.
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@stargazer said in Japan Top League:
Panasonic:
The difference in demeanours between the two props is outstanding.
#1 looks like he got selected due to some heavy Yakuza influence,
While #3 appears to be very happy to be allowed on a full-size team bus, rather than his normal "short bus". -
Have really been enjoying watching some of these games. Obviously not Super standard but always entertaining.
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From what I know of from speaking to non-Japanese players here over a few years, you are an idiot if you think that you will be shown any loyalty - the rugby teams are are bought and paid for as an extra for companies that can be shut down for any number of reasons, right or wrong. Performance of the company down? Cut the non-Japanese; Scandal? Shut down the footy; Not as good as the agent said (i.e., didn't win it all by themself)? Contract terminated.
I don't know if it is as bad as is was in the early 2000s (when I knew a few more players and their families) but it's a very brutal business here, so committing to it for the longer term will definitely see people get shafted.
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When you sit down to actually watch one of these games it's immediately obvious the whole thing is a joke. You have guys like Beauden Barret and Samu Kerevi absolutely monstering teams of 3rd grade Japanese players around a dust bowl in front of 3 people - and getting paid millions. Without even breaking a sweat.
As a competition it's a fucking joke. But as a pay-day for players it's the holy grail. Get to phone it in for twice your usual salary? I'd be on the first plane over.