The second and final match between Japan U20 vs NZU takes place on Saturday 30th May as a curtain-raiser to the Super Rugby Pacific match between the Blues and the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton.
Photo Credit – yourmoment_photos
The New Zealand University side comfortably ran out 74-12 winners over Japan U20 midweek. Akiaki Tsubone captains the Japanese side again from number 8, and there are several changes among the backs and forwards to start the match.
Only Songha Ri keeps his place in the front row, and Taiga Yamazaki comes into the second row with an unchanged loose trio. Teikyo University student and hooker Sota Miura starts this weekend – he scored Japan’s two tries in the opening loss.
The same 9-10 start, with left wing Isa Fukada and Tsunehidemichi Fukuda at outside centre are the two changes in the starting backline.
Japan U20 Squad vs NZU – May 30 2026
Japan U20 Head Coach Naoya Okubo has selected the team for the match, and more about the side can be seen on the JRFU here.
Teikyo University have 5 representatives in the matchday 23, which is the most from any one team, and Keitatsu Motoyama is the only non-university player in the squad (he is at JRLO side Shizuoka BlueRevs).
NZU Squad vs Japan U20 – May 30 2026
How To Watch Japan U20 vs NZU
Both games will be streamed for free on YouTube thanks to DSPN Rugby.
Japan U20 Tour to New Zealand 2026 Fixtures
- Japan U20 31-33 Hawke’s Bay Development – Wednesday, May 20th
- Japan U20 12-74 NZU (New Zealand Student Representative) – Tuesday, May 26th
- Japan U20 vs NZU (New Zealand Student Representative) -*Curtain raiser to Super Rugby Chiefs vs Blues – Saturday, May 30th
Japan Rugby News 2026
- Japan U20 vs NZU Match #1 2026 Match Preview.
- Japan U20 Team For 2026 New Zealand Tour Announced.
- Japan Men’s Head Coach Eddie Jones Suspended Until July 2026.
- World Rugby U20 Championship Rebranded as Junior World Championship.
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