On September 8, on the Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, Japan’s match towards the USA may simply be dubbed “Riley’s Day.” Together with his stellar efficiency each in attempt assists and scoring, Dylan Riley was a pressure to be reckoned with and was rightfully named Participant of the Match.
At quarter-hour into the primary half, Riley caught a kick-pass from fly-half Seungsin Lee close to the opposition’s 10-meter line. Regardless of shedding his steadiness, he delivered an offload together with his left hand to outside-center Nicholas McCurran, who scored the opening attempt. On the twenty third minute, Riley as soon as once more contributed, receiving a move from scrumhalf Shinobu Fujiwara and bringing the ball near the objective line, organising lock Sanaila Waqa for the second attempt. On the thirty eighth minute, he was concerned once more, serving to hooker Mamoru Harada rating in the same state of affairs.
Riley’s particular person brilliance peaked on the 5-minute mark within the second half. Ranging from the center of his personal half, he sidestepped inward, gained floor, after which minimize outdoors, outrunning defenders to dive into the in-goal space. In every occasion, his pace, energy, and refined abilities stood out. The preliminary attempt help got here from a very tough kick-pass that was nearly over his head.
Player Line Breaks
1
Dylan Riley
3
2
Tiennan Costley
2
3
Nate Augspurger
2
“I knew exactly what I needed to do from the start. I just focused on executing it accurately,” said Riley. Despite his consistent high-level performance throughout the 80 minutes, he downplayed it, saying, “I just focus on contributing to the team as much as possible without overthinking things.” His cool-headedness remains evident, even in his comments.
Born in Durban, South Africa, Riley moved to Queensland, Australia with his family. Though he has experience with the Australia U20 team, his professional rugby career truly began after moving to Japan.
This particular match held special significance for Riley. Kumagaya Rugby Stadium is the home ground of his club, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights. Although the fans in the stands were dressed in red and white Japan jerseys, not the familiar blue of the Wild Knights, the crowd roared every time a Wild Knights player’s name was announced. It was exactly the scene Riley had imagined when he said before the match, “I’m excited to play in front of the local fans.”
The last Test match held at this stadium was five years ago, on September 6, 2019, when Japan played South Africa. That match was Japan’s final warm-up before their home World Cup.
At the time, Riley was one of the 22,258 spectators, watching from the upper section of the main stand. Having only joined the Wild Knights the previous year in 2018, he was still relatively unknown. Fast forward five years, and Riley now stands as a central figure for the Brave Blossoms, playing on the very field he once observed from afar. Reflecting on this milestone, he said, “I remember sweating buckets five years ago, too.” It’s a fitting sentiment, considering Kumagaya is known as one of the hottest cities in Japan.
Riley earned his first cap for Japan on October 23, 2021, in a match against Australia. He started in three of Japan’s four games during last year’s World Cup. While he was still considered a young player under former head coach Jamie Joseph, Riley has now become the most capped backline player after the recent coaching change, starting in the USA match. In just a short time, his role within the team has significantly evolved.
“The environment around me has changed, but my role of influencing those around me through my actions on the field hasn’t,” Riley explains. “The team is led by Haru (Tatekawa) and Sakate, and I try to offer support to younger players when they get emotional after making mistakes or when they need connection off the field.”
Points Flow Chart
Japan win +17
Time in lead
43%
Possession Last 10 min
57%
As demonstrated in the match against the USA, Riley is indispensable in Japan’s efforts to play high-speed rugby. Head coach Eddie Jones is also highly impressed with Riley’s talents.
“He’s a rare player with the strength of a center and the speed of a winger. The next step for him is to improve his quality actions. He needs to work on getting more involved in the game. I think he has the potential to be the best number thirteen in the world.”
Should that happen, big clubs around the world will likely come calling, but Riley is adamant about his future: “I like the environment I’m in now. I want to continue building my career here up until the next World Cup.” His sights are already set on 2027, when the World Cup will be held in his homeland of Australia.
