Springboks run riot in Japan but Cheslin Kolbe’s late heroics ‘not enough’ while clutch Richie Mo’unga try ends Malcolm Marx’s unbeaten start
International watch in Japan: Springboks run riot but Cheslin Kolbe's late heroics 'not enough' as Sam Cane vows 'not to repeat the same mistakes'
The international stars were on fine form this weekend in the Japan Rugby League One, with multiple Springboks and All Blacks getting on the scoresheets for their teams.
Here is this weekend’s round-up of the international stars plying their trade in Japan.
Kwagga Smith
The world-class centre combination of Charles Piutau and Semi Radradra helped the Shizuoka BlueRevs to victory over Toyota Verblitz, but the biggest impact was through Springbok flanker Kwagga Smith. Coming off the bench early in the second half, Smith scored off the back of a powerful scrum before securing the win in the final moments with his second try of the afternoon.
The home side had taken a comprehensive early lead and remained in control throughout the match. Even when the visitors attempted a return to contention, the BlueRevs held strong to take victory.
Richie Mo’unga
The All Blacks fly-half scored the winning try in the final moments to secure victory for Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo over a Kubota Spears team consisting of Wallabies legend Bernard Foley, former All Black Shaun Stevenson, and double World Cup-winning hooker Malcolm Marx.
Following the match, Kubota fly-half Bernard Foley told the press: “They’re champions for a reason. They stayed in the fight. It was there for us to take, and we let it slip. We’ll learn a lot from today. I’m happy the loss is now and not at the end of the season.”
Franco Mostert
The experienced Springboks lock took advantage of a 14-man Urayasu D-Rocks side to touch down and extend their first-half lead. Former Saracens fly-half Manu Vunipola also came off the bench as the home side Mie Honda Heat beat the star-studded visitors, consisting of Samu Kerevi and Jasper Wiese.
After their victory, Honda captain Franco Mostert said: “I am very happy that we were able to win our first host game in Tochigi, the team was really looking forward to this. We will be based here from next season and we were able to give our fans a fantastic game.”
Lukhanyo Am
The Springboks centre was on the scoreboard once again, but his try wasn’t enough to save Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars from defeat to TJ Perenara’s BlackRams Tokyo.
Jesse Kriel
On the scoresheet twice, but his Yokohama Canon Eagles still fell to Ardie Savea and Brodie Retallick’s Kobelco Kobe Steelers. Despite winning, the duo had differing experiences during the match, with Savea picking up a yellow card while Retallick put the ball down for a try.
After their 6th loss in a row, captain Kriel said: “We were able to display Eagles-style rugby but we have an issue with allowing the opponents to score too many tries. As a player, I feel responsible for this and I want to do whatever it takes to improve.”
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Cheslin Kolbe
It was a busy day for the double World Cup-winning hero, but a yellow card, a try and four kicks were not enough for his and Sam Cane’s side, Saitama Wild Knights. Springbok teammate Damian de Allende had touched down earlier in the match for Tokyo Sungoliath, so when Kolbe’s late try occurred, it was too late.
Suntory Sungoliath captain Cane spoke after their loss to Saitama, saying: “Rugby involves a variety of situations but the important thing is not to repeat the same mistakes.”
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