Battle of the Sister Unis: the Ohashi Cup

IPC / IPU Rugby War Kicks Off

The International Pacific University (IPU) rugby team recently travelled from Japan to compete against IPC in the first match between the two sister Universities. The two teams had been training for months leading up to the game, IPU up to four hours a day, 6 days a week, and IPC up to 2 hours a day, twice a week.

IPC's Samurais: played valiantly against the IPU team

The Samurais stiff it out on the field

Upon IPU's arrival the two teams shook hands in front of a full IPC assembly. The well dressed, clean cut IPU team faced off against the crazy cut, multicultural and multiskilled IPC team, in front of the Corporation CEO Hiroshi Ohashi and legend Japanese coach Mr. Yamaguchi.

Two days later the two teams met on the famous New Zealand Rugby Institute pitch. The IPU team, dressed in black adidas uniforms, stood in front of a fierce IPC Haka (in an interesting mix of Manawatu and IPC Samurais colours). Meanwhile hundreds of IPC supporters lined the field in anticipation.

The Samurais put feeling into a pre-match Haka (traditional Maori war dance)

From right: Masato Hachimaru, IPU rugby team's general manager Yoshiharu Yamuguchi, and Atsushi Honma

Upon kickoff a well structured, well drilled and disciplined IPU, and an angry, unpredictable IPC team went head to head in a game that became a close battle. IPU held their composure against some big hits and two brilliant tries by the IPC, taking the lead 15-10 at half time. In the second half IPU's training and fitness paid off, with a close win (23-10).

Following the match, one broken arm, 12 stitches, and 22 very sore but victorious IPU players, the two teams got together for a function at the institute. Strong friendships have now been made between players of the two teams, and both teams have a newfound respect for each other. This game was history, the beginning of a long and bloody rivalry between IPC and IPU. Next year the IPC team is hoping to go to Japan to take back the cup and win the war!

For more photos, please visit: IPC Photo Albums

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