As is his nature, the quiet and humble Stephen Larkham has been playing a significant role as one of the world class rugby players plying their skill and helping shape the future of Japanese rugby.
In this interview I did with him the other day, Stephen shares his insight into all things Japanese, including the culture, rugby and extreme weather during his first and, at times challenging, season with the Ricoh Black Rams. This is part one of the two part discussion on The Roar with Stephen Larkham.
You’re just finishing off your first rugby season in Japan, how have you found it?
“A bit of a culture shock. We arrived in March 2008, well before the season started, to settle in and get to know the area. My biggest concern was how the family was going to settle in. The kids are going to school and are really enjoying it and Jacquie (wife) is coping well with being away from family. It’s been great for the family as we have been able to spend a lot more time together.
“Rugby is rugby and the set up here is very similar to all the other teams I have been associated with. I go off to training every day and come home, so it’s not that different to what I have been doing for the last twelve years”.
In terms of the actual rugby, how have you found it, as it is well known that your first year in Japan is a combination of vast differences and frustration?
“There has been a fair bit of frustration, mainly at the different interpretation of laws by the referees. So I think the first year for many of the foreign players is trying understanding the different interpretations of the referees to an extent. Also understanding the way they play over here. The game is not as physical. Certainly, from time to time the tackle contest can be physical. But as whole, they are not as aggressive in the tackle contest and in defence they tend to fall off more tackles than back home”.
How have you found the speed of the game in Japan?
“I was asked this question the other day and I wondered if it was a result of the ELVs or just the way they play the game over here. The players are extremely agile. They are not overly quick, just very agile, very fit, and have a good handling skill set. I have found it challenging as I have a big long stride and am not overly agile, so when I defend I really have to focus as some of the players possess great footwork and agility. It’s not Super 14 quick, and obviously due to their size, they often shy away from the contact situation and their contact skills are not as developed.”
Are there any Japanese players that you think have the skill and ability to play Super 14 rugby?
“I have not really looked at any of the other teams apart from a little bit of analysis. In the Ricoh team, there is certainly some that have the potential. The 10, Kawano Yoshimitsu, has all the skills, is really brave and would develop into a good player at Super 14, providing he has the confidence. He is one of the best players I have ever seen in terms of being a 10.”
That’s a big wrap!
“Yes, but he fluctuates depending on his confidence. A lot of players are confidence players and Kawano is one of those”.
You were saying that this is the first full off-season that you have completed. Have you enjoyed it?
“The off season was long and very different. It was hard and a real challenge but I enjoyed it. The nature of the competition over here is that you do not have to be fresh to compete and often games are two weeks apart, so training during the season has been hard. My knees have stood up, which has been great, and realistically the more I run the better they feel. I find that when I am doing more running they naturally feel better. So I suppose that is one advantage of the hard sessions”.
Read part two of this exclusive interview with Steven Larkham on Thursday on The Roar.
Ricoh played a challenge match to be promoted to the Top League on Saturday afternoon and Larkham featured significantly from fullback, with some deft touches acting as first receiver during phase play. Ricoh won the game 81–0 in a 13 try romp.
JoshF
Roar Rookie
I'm excited to see what Bernie can do with the young and exciting Brumbies backline when he sinks his teeth into coaching down in Canberra. With Quade Cooper seemingly going to leave rugby at some stage I see Brumbies 20 year old fly half Matt Toomua growing into a brilliant, international standard 10. With Bernie and Giteau guiding him he could be better than both of them!
emosi
Guest
I am a 17year old student, attending a school situated at the capital city of FiJ. Well ijust want to say that he is a brilliant player with aot of enthusism and i am a big fan of his rugby techniques!
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Larkham's team was relegated last season and they've been playing in the Top League East 11, which they're obviously too good for. The games will be tougher next season, as Ricoh vie for a mid-table spot like Kintetsu managed this year. I agree with Larkham's comments about tackling and the contact area. There's a lot of tries scored in Japanese rugby. There's also a lot of cards dished out. Practically every game has a sinbinning. Overseas flankers invariably become locks, to give you an idea of the size difference, and they score a hell of a lot more tries than back home from the lock position.
Who Needs Melon
Guest
I hope that the presence of players like Kefu and Larkham (and others I no-doubt am ignorant of) is attracting interest from spectators and also raising the level of the players over there. Reading Larkhams comments, as well as good 10s, you'd think Japan would be able to churn out a few good 9s. Think of a job description of a scrumhalf... not too big, "not overly quick, just very agile, very fit, and have a good handling skill set" and "great footwork and agility".
MarkH
Guest
I dont think Japan should be included but I recon it would be a great little comp to have players develop in. Like anything if the IRB are serious they will help thses guys out. Keen is enough for me.
True Tah
Guest
hayden how many Japanese players have played professionally in Europe? Im only aware of one, whereas the likes of Argentina, Georgia, Tonga, Samoa, etc have had stacks more. If, unfortunately, the new super rugby franchise is awarded to Japan as opposed to Melbourne/West Sydney, then the Jap side may as well be called the Tokyo Tuatara, as it would be a bunch of Kiwis, Islanders and maybe a few Aussies. It would be a pathetic decision to be honest, and I hope that the ARU sees the light on this, and pushes for the team to be in Melbourne.
hayden
Guest
How much is the possible inclusion of Japan in the S14 actually going to do to develop rugby in Japan? As Larkham states, the physicality of the game Downunder will likely see Japanese teams thumped hard. In order to be competitive, they will need to further stock up with overseas players. How will Japanese fans perceive this? Will it lead to a situation where the Japanese national team is comprised entirely of expats plying their trade in Japan. I know this already happens to an extent, but to be competitive in a 'real' comp, it will likely only increase.
Roger
Guest
Bernie is playing fullback for Ricoh!
Brett McKay
Expert
A quick question - is Bernie not playing fly-half for Ricoh, if he's describing Kawano Yoshimitsu as "one of the best players I have ever seen in terms of being a 10"?? And I think I've read it right that Ricoh have been promoted to the Top League for this coming season..
MarkH
Guest
Might be something for the S14 clubs to look into in terms of player development.
Spiro Zavos
Expert
Stephen Larkham's game was based on intelligence, skill, bravery and a mental toughness that allowed him to play his best rugby under the most intense pressure. He was the crucial missing link for the Wallabies in the 2007 RWC tournament and his absence from the quarter-final was a significant part of the loss to England. His insights into his fellow players in Japan and the way he has read the Japanese game suggests that there is a sensational coach here when his playing career is finished.