Japanese rugby enjoyed a ‘purple patch’ during the 12 months from October 2015. Most will recall that incredible result in England, but others believe another, more monumental step was made by the Sunwolves Super Rugby franchise.
Their debut season in 2016 was a time to settle into the competition and into the untested conference system. As a part of the Africa One Conference, their immediate opposition includes the Bulls, Cheetahs and Stormers–so the the Sunwolves have some ‘tough competition’.
Second Season for Sunwolves Super Rugby Japanese Franchise
The second season for many franchises, is the true test. And that applies to any sport. The organization goes from a starting point, where they have fresh perspectives, new faces, new staff and set a franchise standard. Now in the ‘sophomore’ year, it is where the true resolve of the franchise comes to the fore.
“Rise As One” is the new mission statement for the team, and they will want this second season to be one of ascension. After the mediocre beginning, there have been significant changes. As an entity of Japanese Rugby, some thought the support that the Japan Rugby Football Union provided was stunted. They must be 100% behind the side, as well as their new pick for head coach.
Appointed in late September, Filo Tiatia has stepped up to the role from fellow ex-All Black Mark Hammett. In his promotion from assistant, they have chosen a person who both played the game in Japan, and has assimilated very much to the culture. The fact he is bi-lingual, that familiarity will benefit Tiatia’a management team and relationship with players.
Tiatia told The Japan Times “next season is going to be a continuous process from the first season but also, we have to face new challenges and improve some areas further.
“I am looking forward to working with many of the players and staff I worked with in the 2016 season.”
Filo Tiatia Looks to Cement His Coaching Credentials
With a solid Japanese connection, Tiatia has been more fortunate as he was able work from an established franchise–unlike Hammett. He had to ‘make do’ leading up to the 2016 season. With a more organized environment, he will hope it translates into a more easily managed team and strong culture.
In the second season for Sunwolves Super Rugby, the coach believes that the time is right to show a performance to be proud of. “We are trying to improve a lot of areas,” the Kiwi said in his first press conference as head coach. “But we are going to continue to keep improving as well,” which is all that fans can ask for.
Tiatia has previously coached at Ospreys in Wales, and then joined the Toyota Verblitz--first as forwards coach, and then Head Coach. He has ingratiated himself into the Japanese system, and is a useful link to the Sunwolves debut season. Now the step-up to Super Rugby head coach is a feather in his cap. The side will look for much improvement under Tiatia.
Key ‘learnings’ he will have found in 2016 was the travel factor. Unknown to most, it hurt the side on many occasions: suffering a 90 point loss to the Cheetahs. A leson from last season, high-miles on the ‘player odometer’ could again be the making or breaking of the side.
Sunwolves Super Rugby ‘High Mileage’ Rewards
The Sunwolves are known as the team that raked up the highest number of kilometers; in terms of inter-continental flights, in their first season. The good news for players and supporters is that the teams schedule is ‘lighter’ in 2017. They will still have to fly long-haul (naturally due to geography). But planners have been considerate the Sunwolves this year.
Over 140,000 kilometers is still twice as much as other teams, but the men from the Orient take it in their stride. “We’ve inherited the biggest travel schedule of Super Rugby again. But it is what it is,” Tiatia told SuperXV.com.
If the mileage is difficult, then the rewards are the International exposure and destinations. From the shores of South America, to the plains of Africa. The hills and scenery of New Zealand, to the wide open spaces of Australia. Those long-haul trips number eight over the season, so give domestic players an International outlook not found in the Japan Rugby Top League. As well as an away schedule, they have seven home games*.
Compromise Over Home Matches in 2017
Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium is the base for the Sunwolves. Located in Tokyo, the beating heart of Japan, it will always be the home of the Sunwolves. Omissions and compromise now see a *handful of home games played in Singapore. It has been made to limit the distance–and to placate the demand from the Asian region for more Super Rugby.
シンガポールスタジアムの下見に来てます！今シーズンはここで3戦！準備も着々と進んでます！AWoooo!!!
Visiting Singapore stadium! Getting ready!AWoooo!!!#sunwolves #ontherise #awooo pic.twitter.com/GHfjtavOxV— HITO-Com SUNWOLVES (@sunwolves) November 8, 2016
The Singapore National Stadium (above) is world-class. Very-nearly better suited ground than Prince Chichibu; in terms of facilities. The modern stadium has not been utilized enough, so it seems to be a sensible choice. Even though a better option might be to play in Osaka or Nagoya [this could occur in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup]as long as Tiatia and his men can adapt to this new ‘home’ then it might bring success.
On the other hand, South African teams might also see benefits in less hours flying to Tokyo…. ‘a double edged sword’ you might say. However, Super Rugby is a game of support–if the Sunwolves can convey their message to ‘Rise as One’ onto local Singapore/Central Asian rugby fans, then they could have very favourable home crowds.
Team a Mix of Naturalized and Japanese Nationals
With several new signings, some imported talent and local rugby knowledge, Tiatia will use his franchise awareness to the teams benefit. A SWOT analysis would be a useful tool to bridge the gap. By knowing their Strengths, the coaching group can look to eliminate Weaknesses. In looking at Opportunities, the Sunwolves can Target key games.
In one failing, they were unable to attracted national team fullback Ayumu Goromaru. After he played for the Queensland Reds, many held hope the International would select to play in Tokyo–but he chose the Top 14 and Toulon. A disappointment, but representative of the lure that the French Euro holds on all rugby players.
With select Imported players, men like Liaki Moli, Willem Britz, Edward Quirk, Hayden Cripps, Timothy Lafaele, Derek Carpenter and Riaan Viljoen will all match their skills against local players. Quirk is the more visible marquee player, while Moli has a wealth of Super Rugby experience and should bring good rewards in the tight five.
They will all compete for their places though, as Tiatia will want to settle on a ‘number one’ squad early. Training has been mixed with field work and multi-cultural activities, to build a strong culture. A critical element to get right, as their first match pits them against the champion Hurricanes. On that night, a large vocal crowd should be the very best way to kick-off 2017.
Key Players of Note
Fumiaki Tanaka – incumbent Japan halfback, and a Super Rugby Championship winner with the Highlanders. ‘Fumi’ has returned to his homeland, and will be a real ‘mark’ for others to match. His instincts; trained over two Super seasons, will be invaluable.
Harumichi Tatekawa – the experienced International, a member of the formative 2016 side, the sides captain will bring consistency to the side. Technically, he will be a one to call the play. Expect Tatekawa to a man to begin many attacking plays, by the Sunwolves backline.
Call Me HARU!@harumichi1202 is our CAPTAIN.#CallMeHARU #ハルと呼んでください#頼れるキャプテン #日本代表キャプテン #日本代表#rugbyjp #sunwolves #RiseAsOne pic.twitter.com/hRTWTPkjfH
— HITO-Com SUNWOLVES (@sunwolves) February 4, 2017
Hitoshi Ono – one of the most senior players in Super Rugby, his 98 caps for Japan mean that Ono can be a calming influence on many young ‘Wolves.
Sam Wykes – this is a key signing, as he will bring 87 caps of Super Rugby-knowledge with him. If his communication improves, and he works well with the Japanese boys, he should be a significant player; playing at Lock, or as the super-substitute.
Masataka Mikami – another man from the 2016 group, the 28 year old prop is a man that the weight of the scrum can be fixed on. A pivot who can work with less experienced men, to build a tight unit.
Sunwolves Super Rugby 2017 squad –
Forwards:
Keita Inagaki, Masataka Mikami, Koki Yamamoto, Takeshi Kizu, Takeshi Hino, Shota Horie, Takuma Asahara, Heiichiro Ito, Koo Jiwon, Hitoshi Ono, Kyosuke Kajikawa, Shinya Makabe, Liaki Moli, Sam Wykes, Willem Britz, Edward Quirk, Uwe Helu, Yoshitaka Tokunaga, Shuhei Matsuhashi, Malgene Ilaua, Yuhimaru Mimura
Backs:
Keisuke Uchida, Takahiro Ogawa, Fumiaki Tanaka, Kaito Shigeno, Yuki Yatomi, Harumichi Tatekawa, Hikaru Tamura, Ryohei Yamanaka, Yu Tamura, Hayden Cripps, Teruya Goto, Kenki Fukuoka, Timothy Lafaele, Derek Carpenter, Yasutaka Sasakura, Kotaro Matsushima, Riaan Viljoen
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The Sunwolves Super Rugby 2017 season begins at home, when they face the Hurricanes on Friday February 24.
“Main photo credit”
