Japanese Rugby
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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.
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@derpus said in Japan Top League:
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.
yeah unless the grade has gone up tenfold in the last few years, last time i watched it i laughed. Really good players taking the piss in some of the softest "top level" rugby you will ever see.
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@mariner4life scores so one sided too
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Especially when you see Tevita Li looking like a prime Jonah Lomu up there.....
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I’m not sure but I do know that as soon as the business starts underperforming, the budget for the clubs gets cut immediately (or at least that’s how it was at one Club where a few ppl were acquaintances). As a result, regardless of whether players plan to stay around, things can change in what seems like an instant.
In another instance I know of, there was a scandal with one player (kiwi) and they basically shut it down and got rid of other contracted players, fired the coach etc. etc.
These two examples show that teams will only invest hen the business/social climate allows them to.
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The QF between Suntory Sungoliath and Ricoh Black Rams has been cancelled, because 22 people at Ricoh have tested positive for Covid-19 and they don't have enough players to field a team. They won't set an alternative date, so I assume this means that Suntory automatically progresses to the semis (they would have won anyway).
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Watching Toyota Verblitz and NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes. Both teams look like they met in the carpark.
The refereeing is diabolical, only outdone by the ignorance of the commentary team.
