Japan Rugby League One (Round Two) Review

Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo responded as champions often do, overcoming the adversity of playing away against
an opponent who beat them twice last season, to get their title defence started in today’s action from Japan
Rugby League One.
The two-time defending title holders survived a grueling examination to beat Shizuoka BlueRevs 26-22 in a contest
which remained in the balance to the finish, with the lead changing hands twice in the second half.
The big players usually step up when it counts and today was no different with Brave Lupus flyhalf Richie M’ounga
scoring his side’s opening points for the game, and the season, when he crossed in the sixth minute for Toshiba’s
first try.
The visitors led 19-5 as the clock ticked into first half injury time, but a try by the BlueRevs’ former National Rugby
League (NRL) winger Valynce Te Whare opened the game up again at halftime, with dual international Charles
Piutau giving Shizuoka the lead when he marked his first appearance of the season with a second half try.
Brave Lupus responded in kind through their own dual international – the All Black and Flying Fijians centre Seta
Tamanivalu – but while 15 minutes remained when the 33-year-old scored, the scoreboard went unattended after
the try as the visitors held on for an invaluable win.
Saitama Wild Knights, who posted 46 unanswered points against Brave Lupus last week, ran up 37 during a
comfortable win against Urayasu D-Rocks, with hooker Atsushi Sakate the star of the show at Kumagaya after he
scored a hattrick of tries.

The visitors fought bravely and hauled themselves to within eight with 15 minutes remaining, but the Wild Knights
had more in reserve, with their captain’s third try completing the 37-19 win.
Saitaima are second on the rankings, one point behind Tokyo Sungoliath who have top spot after yesterday’s 43-25 bonus-point win over Toyota Verblitz.
Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe was at it again in front of the Sungoliath faithful, following up his opening day try
last week with two amongst a 17-point haul as his side outlasted Verblitz, who were in front entering the final 10
minutes but couldn’t hold on.

The Springbok winger had backrower Tevita Tatafu and second row Harry Hockings to thank for his tries, which
were created in almost identical fashion as each forward off-loaded in contact, tying up multiple defenders, which
left Kolbe free on the edge to scoot to the goal-line.
All Black scrumhalf Aaron Smith scored his first try of the season for Verblitz.
The loss extended Toyota’s miserable record in this rivalry to one win from the last 17 matches.
Kubota Spears share second on the standings after they also produced a strong finish, with three tries in the final
17 minutes, to finally shake off a game BlackRams Tokyo, 50-28.
Led by their feisty skipper TJ Perenara, whose second half try reignited the contest, BlackRams closed to within a
point before finally conceding.
Kobelco Kobe Steelers and Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars recorded their first wins today, leaving their victims
Mie Honda Heat and Yokohama Canon Eagles still winless.
The Dynaboars established a 12-0 halftime advantage in the Kanagawa derby but had to survive a nervy final 15
minutes after South African prop Pieter Scholtz was red carded when just seven points separated the sides.
Former Saracens (UK) flyhalf Manu Vunipola booted Heat to a 12-7 halftime lead, but the home side was held to
just one try, while Kobe managed four, as the visitors scored two tries in three minutes straight after the break to
take charge.
Kobe’s final try was scored by ex-All Black second rower Brodie Retallick, who scored 10 for the club last term.
In Division Two, Hanazono Kintetsu Liners confirmed their favoritism for the section, following up a commanding
opening day win against Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi, with an equally impressive 40-10 demolition of Green
Rockets Tokatsu.

Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks remain unbeaten after their 40-27 win over Kyushu Electric Power Kyuden Voltex, while
former Wallaby backrower Toutai Kefu picked up his first win as Nippon Steel Kamaishi Seawaves boss after his
men beat Hino Red Dolphins 36-14.
Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi crushed RedHurricanes Osaka 49-6 in the section’s final game.
Champions SkyActivs Hiroshima continued their impressive start in Division Three, outclassing Kurita Water Gush
Akishima 57-7, while there were also wins for Yakult Levins Toda and SAYAMA SECOM RUGGUTS.

Japan Rugby League One Round Two Results

Division One

Saturday December 20
Kubota Spears 50, BlackRams Tokyo 28; at Chiba
Tokyo Sungoliath 43, Toyota Verblitz 25; at Tokyo (Ajinomoto)
Sunday December 21
Kobelco Kobe Steelers 28, Mie Honda Heat 23; at Mie
Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars 17, Yokohama Canon Eagles 10; at Kanagawa
Saitama Wild Knights 37, Urayasu D-Rocks 19; at Saitama
Toshiba Brave Lupus 26, Shizuoka BlueRevs 22; at Shizuoka