[Rugby]Japan XV defeats Maori AB 20-53 wing at the Paris Olympics Ueda has two tries

[Rugby]Young players are not strong enough – Japan XV is completely defeated by the Maori All Blacks on June 28th at the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025 held at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, and Japan XV, which is made up of candidates for the Japanese national team, lost 20-53 to the Maori All Blacks. Although they played well in the first half, they were forced to move away in the second half, with a total record of 1 win and 5 losses. It was a match that I wanted to gain momentum for the two consecutive matches against the Welsh national team (July 5th and 12th), which will be coming up next month, but the content made me realize the difference in their abilities. Among them, WTB Ueda Kazuma (Kobe) was the one who radiated particularly brightly. Although this was his first time participating in the 15-person national team activity, he scored two tries in the first half, making his presence felt. The try in the first 9th minute was particularly impressive. He took advantage of the gap in which the opponent dropped the ball in his own territory, and then connected with SO Sam Green (Shizuoka) and CTB Fifita (Toyota) and then ran for the 35m. He calmly assessed the defensive movements, then jumped into the try zone. He has emerged since his time at Kinki University, and in 2023 he was selected for the first time as a candidate for the Japan seven-a-side team. He made a brilliant debut at the Paris Olympics last summer. Kobe, which joined the team this spring, also played in all seven games, including the playoffs. As he himself said, the play proved that “experienced the speed and power of world-standard standards of his life even in a 15-person system.” However, the flow changed completely in the second half when HO Era Hayato (Tokyo Bay) received a Shinbin (temporary ejection) in the 5th minute. Despite a numerical disadvantage, they conceded consecutive goals, and were spotted by a flaw in their defensive situation and allowed five tries. Now in his first year as head coach Eddie Jones, rebuilding his defense is an urgent issue. Still, the efforts of the freshest members, including Ueda, are a great hope for the future. The rise of new forces and the identification of challenges — this match became an important testimony to mark the relaunch of Japanese rugby. Japan XV fell to the Maori All Blacks 20-53 in the 2025 Lipovitan D Challenge Cup match held at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, but young talent like Kazuma Ueda left a powerful impression ahead of the upcoming test matches against Wales. Despite fielding a squad with limited top-level experience—only six players with full national team caps—Japan XV held their own in the first half, trailing just 17-15 at the break. One of the brightest standouts was winger Kazuma Ueda, a recent addition from Kobe, who showedcased his Olympic-level speed and awareness. Ueda, who starred in Japan’s sevens squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics, scored two electrifying tries in the 9th and 32nd minutes. His first try highlighted his world-class composure and acceleration: seizing a loose ball, he connected through Sam Green and Siosaia Fifita before slicing Through defenders to score from 35 meters out. Ueda, who developed his skills at Kindai University and made his sevens debut in 2023, has been rapidly rising in Japan’s rugby ranks. His transition to the 15s format is already making waves, giving Japan’s coaching staff a promise wing option for the future. Unfortunately, Japan XV could’t maintain momentum in the second half. A yellow card to hooker Hayato Era shifted the tide, leading to five second-half tries from the Maori All Blacks. Defensive gaps and lack of experience were evidence, issues that coach Eddie Jones must address before facing Wales. Still, the dynamic performances of fresh talent like Ueda provide hope as Japan builds towards the international stage. #KazumaUeda #JapanXV #MaoriAllBlacks #JapanRugbyPartner #LipovitanD Challenge Cup #ChichibunomiyaRugbyStadium #RugbyJapan #EddieJones #Paliolympics #7-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-