Suntory go top as tries roll in across Japan

TOKYO Suntory Sungoliath moved to the summit of the Japan Rugby League One table after beating Kubota Spears Funabashi Bay Tokyo 33-29 on Friday.

Despite the win, All Black Damian McKenzie endured a mixed game in the top of the table clash, providing 13 points off the tee but was sent to the sin bin and conceded a penalty try for a deliberate knock down on the stroke of half time.

Former Blues and Highlanders winger Tevita Li crossed for two first-half tries and was awarded player of the match for a sensational performance.

Li’s tries were complemented by further scores from prop Shintaro Isihara and winger Seiya Ozaki, while Wallabies loose forward Sean McMahon was a constant threat in the number eight jersey.

Japan national coach Jamie Joseph was spotted in the stands, scouting out future internationals for their summer Test series with Uruguay and France.

Elsewhere, the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights sealed their seventh consecutive victory with a 51-26 bonus-point victory over Toyota Verblitz.

The defending champions had to forfeit their first two games of the season due to Covid-19 issues but are now just five points behind league leaders Sungoliath.

Former All Black Aaron Cruden scored a brace to propel Kobe Steelers to a badly needed 56-21 bonus point win over the Ricoh Black Rams, leaving them in seventh.

The Canon Eagles secured a 49-24 win over NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes courtesy of 19 points from South African SP Marais to go fifth.

The league’s organisers will be thrilled with the free-flowing rugby but defence coaches will be furious with 42 tries scored in just four games.

Today’s action sees Israel Folau’s Shining Arcs take on Shizuoka Blue Revs in a battle at the bottom, while sixth place Toshiba Brave Lupus host ninth place Green Rockets. who are languishing in ninth.