Newly promoted NTT Communications Shining Arcs will get their first crack at a Japan Rugby Top League team in the second round of the 47th National Championships, following a hard-fought victory in Round One.

Two penalties in the final three minutes by Yoshio Kimishima helped NTT edge Tokai University 11-7 at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground and set up a clash with Toyota Verblitz, who eased past Kobe Kobelco Steelers 36-19 at Osaka’s Hanazono Stadium.

Yoshitaka Nakayama bagged a brace of tries for Toyota and there were further five-pointers for Tatsuya Kusumi, Ryuta Ueno and Hiroki Mizuno. Orene Ai’i slotted over three conversions and a penalty and Mikio Banba added a conversion.

The other second-round game sees Teikyo University up against NEC Green Rockets.

NEC drew 10-10 with Suntory Sungoliath in Osaka but luck was on their side when captain Nili Latu guessed right and drew the straw that saw his team go through.

University champions Teikyo were too good for club champion Rokko Fighting Bull, running in 12 tries in a 76-7 win in the second game in Tokyo.

NTT, who remain unbeaten this year having won Top East and the Top Challenge Series One, needed some good fortune to come away with the spoils against collegiate runners-up Tokai.

Having gone 5-0 up thanks to a try by Hiraku Tomoigawa in the 37th minute, the Shining Arcs failed to regather the re-start allowing Tokai one last chance before halftime.

Scrumhalf Ryo Tsuruda made the most of it scampering over under the posts to give Syohei Toyoshima a simple conversion.

One minute after the break Toyoshima should have increased the students’ lead when he finished off a flowing move. But instead of grounding the ball he tried to pass to Tsuruda, who was closer to the posts.

Tsuruda failed to see the ball coming and five, possibly seven, points went begging.

With just three minutes left on the clock, it seemed Tokai might have got away with Toyoshima’s error, but Kimishima’s boot saved NTT and ended Tokai’s season.

“Tokai played very well,” said NTT captain Koji Nakayama. “They were very physical, very skilful and played with a lot of heart. They put us under pressure at the breakdown and stopped us from getting into our rhythm.”

NTT coach Shannon Fraser admitted his players were physically and mentally tired after a long season but said he was looking forward to the game with Toyota.

 “I realize there is a big gap between where we are at and where we need to be, so it will be a good benchmark,” he said.