Brodie Retallick scores AGAIN to lead competition chart in Japan while Richie Mo’unga’s try in vain in upset loss to ex-Italy coach’s side
Brodie Retallick and Richie Mo'unga scored over the weekend.
All Blacks legend Brodie Retallick added to his stunning tally over the weekend, scoring his ninth try of the Japan Rugby league One season for Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Retallick got over the line yet again as Kobe extended the gap between themselves and the fourth-placed Toshiba Brave Lupus to five on the table after they were beaten.
In a 17-try shootout against Shizuoka BlueRevs, the Steelers were led by a first-half treble from wing Shunsuke Uenobo, which gave them a 38-21 half-time advantage.
Retallick on fire
As mentioned Retallick also got on the scoreboard, and the New Zealand World Cup winner sits one try above Saitama Wild Knights hooker Atsushi Sakate at the summit.
Kobe’s onslaught didn’t let up after the interval, stretching the margin to 29 points before the BlueRevs finally mustered a response, posting three of the last four scores.
Elsewhere, fellow All Blacks great, fly-half Richie Mo’unga, was among the tries for Toshiba Brave Lupus, but they suffered a shock defeat to Mie Honda Heat on Saturday.
Kieran Crowley recorded some significant wins during his spell in charge of the Azzurri, most notably claiming Italy’s first-ever victory over Australia along with a win against Wales in Cardiff, but yesterday provided arguably the Mie Honda Heat coach’s biggest success on the club scene as his men beat Toshiba Brave Lupus 44-38.
The defending champions’ second league loss of the season was the upset of the round as Japan Rugby League One action resumed after its second bye weekend yesterday.
Mo’unga solo try
Honda were set on their way by an early try from Argentina back-row Pablo Matera. His crossing was the first of five in a first-half blitz which fired Honda to a 34-21 buffer.
New Zealand-schooled winger Ben Paltridge would also score twice in the opening period.
Although the game had long since been lost, three tries in the final six minutes – two by utility back Michael Collins – salvaged a bonus point for Toshiba, for whom Mo’unga and Michael Leitch were first-half try-scorers.
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