Japanese rugby players Kippei Taninaka and Kenta Iemura are feeling right at home in their new colours, pulling on the gold jersey for North Otago in the Heartland Championship this season.
They were on fire during last week’s big second half in a 59-33 win over Poverty Bay.
Iemura piled on 12 points with his accurate boot, and drove the team around the park nicely from first five, while Taninaka’s ball speed kept the Old Golds moving.
Taninaka celebrated wildly after kicking a conversion of his own before bowing to the field and was met with a jovial celebration from the bench as he was replaced. It is a moment that still brings a big smile to the halfback’s face.
Iemura and Taninaka have been welcomed with open arms in their first season in New Zealand.
Iemura plays for Shizuoka Blue Revs (Yamaha) and Taninaka recently joined Toyota Verblitz, after transitioning from the sevens circuit.
Taninaka, 25, pulled on the red and white hoops and represented Japan at the Paris Olympics, where they bowed out in the pool stages.
It was an experience like no other and one he described as "so amazing".
He has played fullback and wing but has settled as a halfback for the Old Golds after spending the local club season playing for Valley.
The Weston club struck a connection with the Japanese club through coach Barry Matthews’ relationship with former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen, now guiding Toyota Verblitz.
Iemura, 24, spent the club season playing for the Harbour Hawks in Dunedin.
Both agreed they came to New Zealand for the opportunity to further their game, and noted the game was far more physical in New Zealand compared to Japan, where rugby was played at a faster pace.
They both enjoyed learning under the tutelage of Old Golds coach Luke Herden and were struck by the support from their team-mates
"It’s very good. They’re kind and so helpful with us," Taninaka said.
They will be key men when the Old Golds make the trip across to Greymouth to meet West Coast this afternoon.
West Coast have been one of the form teams this season, but have been stripped of 15 points and handed a $5000 fine due to fielding an ineligible player.
They have slipped from fourth on the table to 10th.
North Otago now sit sixth and are on a three-game winning streak after dropping their opening two games of the season.
Toni Taufa returns to blindside this week, pushing Mitch Morton to lock.
Lock Epineri Logavatu returns to the bench, as does winger Hopate Finau. Te Meihana Williams retains his spot as halfback cover after making his debut last week.
South Canterbury are away to Poverty Bay, Wairarapa-Bush are home to Buller, Mid Canterbury host King Country, Thames Valley play East Coast and Whanganui meet Horowhenua-Kapiti.
Heartland Championship
Greymouth, 1.30pm
North Otago: Ben Paton, Sevanaia Druma, Matia Qiolevu, Tini Feke, Ben McCarthy, Kenta Iemura, Kippei Taninaka, Junior Fakatoufifita, Savenaca Rabaka, Toni Taufa, Mitch Morton, Anthony Docherty, Steve Salelea, Hayden Tisdall, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Cameron Rowland, Jake Greenslade, Lisivani Tuifua, Asaeli Ngahe, Epineri Logavatu, Te Meihana Williams, Lachlan Kingan, Hopate Finau.
West Coast: Kane Parker, Malakai Cagi, Isi Saumaki, Nick Foxley, Ryhardt de Waal, Cameron Burgess, Josh Burgess, Gordie Lloyd, Josh Tomlinson, Logan Winter, Arnold Gibbenes, Waga Penisoni, Daniel Davis, Troy Tauwhare, Tyler Kearns. Reserves: Quinn Johnsen, Murphy Kupe, Mitchell Tapp, Heneli Moala, Jack Rea, Jin Ho Mun, Carlos Thomson, Nathan Booker.
