Hanazono Rugby Stadium Hosts Thrilling Third Round Matches
The 104th National High School Rugby Tournament, affectionately known as Hanazono, kicked off on December 27th at the iconic Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Osaka. as the new year dawned, the competition intensified with eight captivating third-round matches on January 1st, 2025, aiming to determine the tournament’s elite eight.
Defending champions Dominate
The first ground witnessed four fiercely contested matches. In the opening clash, Yamanashi gakuin, making thier historic debut in the round of 16, faced off against the formidable defending champions and top-seeded Toin Gakuen from Kanagawa.
Toin Gakuen asserted their dominance early, securing a penalty goal from standoff Yumaru niwa in the 3rd minute. Their relentless attack continued,resulting in three tries before halftime,including a powerful score from captain and flanker Shin Hakuyo. The scoreboard reflected their commanding lead at 20-0.Despite valiant efforts, Yamanashi Gakuin struggled to capitalize on their opportunities.toin Gakuen capitalized on every chance in the second half, adding four more tries to their tally and ultimately securing a resounding 46-0 victory.
Unseeded Underdogs face Top Contenders
the second match pitted unseeded kyoto Kogakuin, who had defied expectations by reaching the third round, against the formidable B-seeded Kokugakuin Tochigi, a perennial powerhouse and spring selection top four contender.
Kokugakuin Tochigi wasted no time, launching a swift attack from a scrum early in the first half. Winger Masayoshi ietori crossed the try line, giving them an early lead. Their momentum continued as hooker Jotaro Saito powered through a maul to score another try, extending their advantage to 14 points. Despite Kyoto Kogakuin’s persistent attacks, they were unable to breach Kokugakuin Tochigi’s resolute defense before halftime.
National High School Rugby: A Day of Thrilling Matches
The 104th National High School Rugby Football Tournament witnessed a series of intense clashes,showcasing the raw talent and strategic prowess of young athletes.
Kokugakuin Tochigi secured a hard-fought victory against kyoto Kogakuin, extending their lead in the second half with a try from center Tsunehide Fukuda. Their robust defense effectively limited Kyoto Kogakuin’s counterattacks, ultimately securing a 21-5 win.
Simultaneously occurring, Osaka Toin, the tournament favorites, demonstrated their dominance against Kurashiki. From the outset, Osaka Toin’s relentless pressure proved overwhelming, resulting in an notable 11 tries, including a hat trick from winger Kotaro Mizushima. Kurashiki, despite valiant efforts to penetrate their opponent’s territory, were unable to breach Osaka Toin’s formidable defense, leading to a decisive 69-0 victory for the favorites.The fourth match pitted two experienced Kinki teams, Josho Gakuen and Tenri, against each other in a captivating battle.Tenri initially seized the lead with a try from winger gentaro Sakata, but Josho Gakuen fought back valiantly. Tries from scrum half Naomi Motohashi and winger Shunsuke Masawaki brought them back into the game, securing a 12-5 lead at halftime.
the second half continued the back-and-forth momentum.Tenri leveled the score with a try from hooker Inazuka Jun, but Josho gakuen refused to be deterred. A final try from center Koharu Sonoda sealed their victory, with a final score of 17-10.
These thrilling matches highlight the competitive spirit and exceptional skill level present in the 104th National High School Rugby Football Tournament. As the tournament progresses, fans can anticipate more exciting encounters and displays of rugby excellence.
For more highlights and analysis, check out the official tournament coverage on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch
Oita Tomei Makes History,Secures Spot in Hanazono’s Elite Eight
The third ground of the National High School Rugby Tournament witnessed thrilling encounters,with Oita Tomei achieving a historic milestone.
In a dominant display, Oita Tomei, who advanced to the third round via a lottery draw after a tie with Takanabe in the second round, showcased their prowess from the outset. WTB Yuki Shimokawa (3rd year) led the charge, scoring one of three tries in a rapid-fire first-half onslaught.
Kokugakuin Kugayama, the Tokyo representatives seeded second, managed to respond with a try from LO Teru yoshizawa (2nd year). However, Oita Tomei extended their lead just before halftime with another try from SO Hayato Ishikawa (3rd year), securing a commanding 24-5 advantage.
The second half saw Oita Tomei maintain their momentum, adding tries and penalty kicks to their tally. Their relentless attack culminated in a resounding 41-12 victory, marking their first-ever appearance in Hanazono’s prestigious top eight.Meanwhile, the second match on the third ground pitted two Kinki region powerhouses, Tokai osaka Kyosei and Hotoku Gakuen, against each other. This marked the fourth consecutive year these schools have clashed in the hanazono tournament,highlighting their consistent presence among Japan’s elite high school rugby teams.
The third ground also hosted exciting matches featuring Toin Gakuen, Kyoto Kogakuin, Osaka Toin, and Josho Gakuen, all securing victories and advancing in the tournament.
Rugby Showdown: Top Teams Dominate in National High School Tournament
The National High school Rugby Tournament witnessed a display of power and skill as top-ranked teams secured decisive victories in the latest round of matches.
Tokai Osaka Kyosei’s Relentless Attack
Tokai Osaka Kyosei, known for their relentless “no luck rugby” style, dominated their match from the outset. Their ability to seamlessly connect passes between forwards and backs proved unstoppable. Hooker Toranosuke Imazu (3rd year) opened the scoring with an early try, setting the tone for a commanding performance. By halftime, Tokai Osaka Kyosei had amassed a 24-0 lead, effectively sealing the victory. While Hotoku Gakuen managed a try in the second half through winger cho Kazuki (2nd year), Tokai Osaka Kyosei added another try of their own, ultimately winning 31-5.
Higashi Fukuoka’s Offensive Prowess
The clash between Higashi Fukuoka, last year’s runner-up, and meikei Gakuen showcased a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Higashi Fukuoka’s potent offense, characterized by fluid ball movement, proved too much for Meikei Gakuen to handle. Winger Ryuta Hirao (2nd year) led the charge with consecutive tries in the first half, contributing to a 31-7 lead at the break. Higashi fukuoka continued their scoring spree in the second half, with hooker Koichi Sudo (2nd year) adding two more tries.Despite a valiant effort from Meikei Gakuen’s winger yoyo Ohno (3rd year),who scored a try,Higashi Fukuoka emerged victorious with a final score of 41-28.Iwami Chisuikan’s Dominant Display
In a lopsided encounter, Iwami Chisuikan, a top-seeded team from Shimane, showcased their dominance against Seki Shoko from Gifu.Iwami Chisuikan’s superior contact and ball-handling skills allowed them to control the game from start to finish. Wingers Seita Yoshioka (3rd year) and Ryunosuke Arai (3rd year) each scored two tries, contributing to a staggering 15 tries for Iwami Chisuikan.The final score of 95-5 highlighted the gulf in class between the two teams, with Seki Shoko’s number eight, Kagami Hinata (3rd year), managing to score their only try.
The 104th National High School Rugby Tournament Heats Up: Quarterfinal Matchups Set
The 104th National high School Rugby Football Tournament is reaching a fever pitch as the quarterfinals are set to commence on January 3rd. After intense third-round battles, eight powerhouse teams remain in contention for the coveted championship title.
The third round saw the elimination of all unseeded schools, leaving a field dominated by seeded contenders. three A-seeded schools and five B-seeded schools will now clash in a series of highly anticipated matchups.The stage is set for an exciting day of rugby, with the quarterfinals scheduled to be broadcast live on J SPORTS On Demand, starting at 10:25 am.
Here’s a look at the thrilling quarterfinal pairings:
10:30 am: Oita Tomei (Oita/B seed) will face off against Josho Gakuen (Osaka 3rd/B seed) in what promises to be a closely contested battle.
11:55 am: tokai University Osaka Kyosei (Osaka No.2/B seed) will take on the formidable Higashi Fukuoka (Fukuoka/B seed) in a clash of titans.
1:20 pm: Osaka Toin (Osaka No. 1/A seed), a perennial powerhouse, will square off against Toin Gakuen (kanagawa/A seed) in a matchup that could easily be a preview of the finals.
2:45 pm: Kokugakuin Tochigi (Tochigi/B seed) will look to upset the A-seeded Iwami Chisuikan (Shimane/A seed) in a David vs. Goliath encounter.
Third Round Results:
the third round delivered some stunning results, showcasing the depth of talent in this year’s tournament.Oita Tomei dominated Kokugakuin Kugayama with a decisive 41-12 victory, while Tokai University Osaka Kyosei cruised past Hotoku gakuen 31-5.
Higashi Fukuoka emerged victorious in a high-scoring affair against Meikei Gakuen, securing a 41-28 win.
In a surprising upset, Iwami Chisuikan delivered a crushing 95-5 defeat to Seki Shoko, demonstrating their championship aspirations.
With the quarterfinals just around the corner,anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable display of rugby prowess.Please provide the HTML article you would like me to rewrite. I need the text content within the HTML tags to fulfill your request.
Analysis of the 104th National High School Rugby Tournament: A Day of Dominance and Upsets
The 104th National High School Rugby Tournament continued its thrilling run with intense competition and crowning moments, showcasing the depth of talent within the Japanese high school rugby scene. From defending champions asserting thier dominance to captivating upsets and hard-fought victories, the tournament delivered a spectacle of sportsmanship and skill.
Defending Champions Reign Supreme:
Toin Gakuen, the defending champions, proved their mettle by dismantling Yamanashi Gakuin in a decisive 46-0 victory. Their dominant performance, marked by early tries from standout players like captain Shin Hakuyo, underlined their status as favorites for the championship.
Unseeded Underdogs Fall Short:
Despite valiant efforts, the unseeded Kyoto Kogakuin couldn’t overcome the potent attack of Kokugakuin Tochigi, falling 21-5. While Kyoto Kogakuin’s tenacity deserves applause,Kokugakuin Tochigi demonstrated their experience and strong defense to secure a well-deserved win.
Osaka Toin’s Relentless Offense:
Osaka Toin’s explosive offensive display against Kurashiki
demonstrated their championship aspirations.
The team’s 11 tries,including a hat trick from Kotaro Mizushima,highlighted their attacking prowess,making them a formidable contender for the championship.
Josho Gakuen’s Resilience:
In a nail-biting encounter, Josho Gakuen showcased their resilience by overcoming a first-half deficit against Tenri.
Their ability to respond to pressure and capitalize on opportunities, exemplified by tries from Naomi motohashi and Shunsuke Masawaki, earned them a crucial victory.
Oita Tomei Makes History:
Perhaps the most captivating story emerging from the third ground is Oita Tomei’s historic achievement. Their 41-12 victory over Kokugakuin Kugayama not only secured their place in Hanazono’s elite eight but also marked the school’s first?ever appearance. This remarkable feat,driven by Yuki Shimokawa and Hayato Ishikawa’s standout performances,highlights the rise of new contenders in the tournament.
Tokai Osaka’s Relentless Assault:
Tokai Osaka Kyosei further cemented their reputation as a powerhouse by dismantling Hotoku Gakuen with their relentless ”no luck rugby” strategy. Their ability to fluidly connect passes symbolized their tactical prowess and solidified their position as one of the tournament favorites.
Higashi Fukuoka’s Offensive Bonanza:
Higashi Fukuoka, last year’s runner-up, continued their remarkable form with a commanding victory against Meikei Gakuen.
Ryuta Hirao’s brilliance shone through, leading the offense with his consecutive tries and demonstrating the team’s ambition to reclaim the championship title.
The Road Ahead:
As the tournament progresses, the competition promises to intensify.The remaining contenders have showcased their strengths and weaknesses, setting the stage for exciting and unpredictable matches.Fans can expect thrilling clashes, underdog stories, and breathtaking displays of rugby excellence as the teams battle for national glory.
Discussion Points:
How will Toin gakuen defend their title against the surging challengers?
can Oita Tomei continue their fairytale run and upset established teams?
* Will Higashi Fukuoka’s impressive offensive power carry them to the final?
The 104th National High School Rugby Tournament is a captivating tapestry woven with thrilling narratives, showcasing the dedication, passion, and athleticism of young rugby players across Japan.