It has been a long-awaited match for Japan Women's National Rugby Team, the Sakura Fifteen.
"It has been 2years since their last test match" reveals vice president of Japan Rugby Football Union, and the national team director, Asami Keiko.
Even before the COVID pandemic struck, with women's participation in the sports still low, organizing meaningful matches without traveling abroad has been difficult.
The team is grateful for the support provided by both the Queensland government and Rugby Australia, says Ms Asami.
Sakura Fifteen faced Fijiana on Sunday, at Bond University, Gold Coast.
With the momentum from their historic win at the Super W just last moth, the Fijian side came on strong in the first half, conceding 2 consecutive tries.
Tri-Series Rugby - Japan vs Fijiana, 1 May 2022 Source: ©JRFU
However, captained by Saki Minami, Japan kept their focus and discipline, bouncing back with a try at 36minutes, then shortly after at 40 minutes to level the score 14-all before half time.
Conceding the equalizer was Mana Furuta, who together with Sakura Fifteen's Makoto Lavemai joined the Brumbies for a season.
"Their opportunity to participate in the Australian League, and to experience the local culture and environment means a lot" says Ms Asami.
"The fact that the girls were not intimated by their size difference, and were able to play their game in the Super W, gives Japanese national team added confidence"
Ms Asami says, the team is here not only to win, but to learn and experience other cultures, to grow as a person- believing that it will in turn, help their game.
"I want the players to interact with an open mind"
With most of the COVID restriction eased in Queensland, the Sakura Fifteen are not only able to train in a relaxed environment, they are also able to make the most of their off days to enjoy the Australian sun.
"Everywhere we go in Japan, we still have to wear a mask" says Ms Asami, adding that the beautiful environment of Australia is great for team's mental health.
Sakura Fifteen players enjoying the beach at Gold Coast, Queensland Source: ©JRFU
Sakura Fifteen will face Australian Barbarians on May 6, at West Bulldogs Rugby Memorial Park, and the Wallaroos at Bond University, Gold Coast on May 10.
It has been revealed that the Wallaroos for the first time in program's history, will be wearing their First Nation's jersey for Japan clash on May 10.
Designed by Noongar Artist Seantelle Walsh, the uniform shows the connection between women and their spirit, as well as the connection between Dreamtime and overcoming barriers.
“The inclusion of this jersey brings another level of importance to this upcoming match against Japan - it has added a whole other level of inspiration to everyone here in camp, and the players really feel privileged to be a part of this historic moment”, Wallaroos coach Jay Tregonning said in a statement.
For the full interview with Keiko Asami in Japanese, click below.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
