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Damian McKenzie guides Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath to Japan Rugby League One final

(Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

Damian McKenzie will compete for a Japan Rugby League One title next weekend after helping guide Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath to a semi-final win over Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo.

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McKenzie provided 15 points from the boot to propel Suntory to a 30-24 victory over their Tokyo rivals at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka.

In doing so, the 40-test All Black has ensured Suntory will challenge for their first championship since 2018 after falling short against the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knight in last year’s Top League final.

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Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 14

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      Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 14

      Suntory may have the chance to avenge for that 31-26 defeat should the Wild Knights beat the Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay in the second semi-final on Sunday.

      McKenzie will be heavily relied upon to help Suntory clinch the inaugural League one title, as he was in Saturday’s semi-final as he popped up on numerous occasions to provide his side with some fine playmaking touches.

      That helped enable left wing Seiya Ozaki, loosehead prop Shintaro Ishihara and second-five Ryoto Nakamura to cross for Suntory’s three tries, all of which McKenzie converted as he added a further three penalties.

      McKenzie was accompanied in his side’s victory by Wallabies star and 2021 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Samu Kerevi, who started at centre, while former Reds locks Harry Hocking and Hendrick Tui both packed down in the second row.

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      Former All Blacks flanker Matt Todd and ex-Japan captain Michael Leitch both started in Toshiba’s loose forward trio, and ex-All Blacks centre Seta Tamanivalu started on the left wing.

      Kiwi-born Japan lock Warner Dearns and former Blues lock Jacob Pierce were in the second row, while former Hurricanes and Crusaders veteran Tim Bateman started at second-five.

      Of those sextet, Pierce was the only player to cross the chalk for a try, while halfback Takahiro Ogawa scored a brace as first-five Hayato Nakao added three conversions and a penalty.

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      Mzilikazi 1 hour ago
      Matt Faessler: ‘To be involved in a home World Cup would be just next level’

      Thanks for the article, Brett. I must say I am disappointed that the Reds have lost both games against the two top teams from NZ they have played so far this year. I feel they should be more advanced under Les Kiss and his coaching team in what is now the second year of tenure.


      The lineout, which you highlight in the article, is an obvious standout. Matt Faessler is shaping as a standout finisher of mauls, but that ability is wasted if the throw/lift/catch element is a shambles.


      Also very disappointing so often is the ability to spread the ball wide using the “out the back” type passes well. Just watch Scotland, even currently weak Wales, to see the level of sophistication in this area that can be achieved.


      In the final analysis, the breakdown work is not as good as all the NZ sides achieve with apparent ease. Their scrum halves so often have an “armchair ride” compared to our 9’s, who deal with slow and often scrappy ball. And I would say this applies to all our Australian sides, not only the Reds.


      Not being one eyed on Qld, I am also disappointed to see the Waratahs not performing as one would have hoped, given the strength of their roster now. Ofc, one must also look at the injury toll effect on all teams.


      And there is no question, on the positive side of this years competition, how very competitive all teams can be on their day. Mona Pacifica are looking more than just competitive now, but the Highlanders are are much better team than last year, as are the Force.


      I find the background bits on players great reading always. and your recounting of Matt Faessler’s grandfather’s exploits is just up my street. Keep writing for us, please !!

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      LONG READ 'There appears little prospect of change at the top in Europe. That should be a concern to all’ 'There appears little prospect of change at the top in Europe. That should be a concern to all’
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