Damian McKenzie's Suntory overcome Kubota to stay top of League One
Damian McKenzie's Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath have moved to the summit of the Japan Rugby League One standings after beating Kubota Spears Funabashi Bay Tokyo on Friday.
McKenzie endured a mixed game in the top-of-the-table clash, providing 13 points off the boot in Suntory's 33-29 win, but was sent to the sin bin and conceded a penalty try for a deliberate knock down right on the stroke of half-time.
In fact, it was another Kiwi who stole the show at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in the form of ex-Blues and Highlanders wing Tevita Li, who crossed for two first half tries and was subsequently awarded man-of-the-match.
Li's brace was complemented by further tries to prop Shintaro Isihara and wing Seiya Ozaki, while Wallabies loose forward Sean McMahon was a constant presence for the hosts in the No 8 jersey.
Ex-Wallabies playmaker Bernard Foley, meanwhile, started at first-five and successfully converted one of his two shots at goal before journeyman South African fullback Gerhard van den Heever assumed the kicking duties in the second half.
Aside from the penalty try conceded by McKenzie, Kubota's tries came in the form of No 8 Faulua Makisi, centre Sione Teaupa and blindside flanker Finau Tupa, who bagged a late double scored within five minutes of each other.
Brave Blossoms head coach Jamie Joseph was spotted in the stands as Suntory leapfrogged Kubota to move two points clear of their title rivals on the Division One standings.
Suntory will have the chance to extend their lead at the top of the competition when they return to Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium next Sunday to host the Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu.
Conversely, Kubota will look to reclaim their place at the top of Japanese domestic rugby when they they face Toshiba Brave Lupus at the same venue the day beforehand.
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Think it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to commentsJust came back from the game and the atmosphere was amazing. Players stayed afterwards for more than a hour to sign stuff and take photos with fans. Great day out.
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