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Dane Coles' double powers Spears to win over All Black-laden Steelers
By Ben Smith
Former All Blacks and Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles scored a double to power the Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay to a 38-34 win over the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in round five of the Japan Rugby League One.
The 37-year-old rake opened the scoring from a rolling maul in just the third minute to give the Spears a 7-0 lead to continue his try scoring run.
After a penalty extended the lead to 10-0, it was recently crowned World Player of the Year Ardie Savea who hit back for the Steelers, crashing over from a lineout play that saw the flanker round the corner and charge through the 10 channel.
The Spears took a 17-7 lead into half-time but the Steelers quickly hit back after Bryn Gatland's deflected cutout pass found winger Junta Hamano for a try in the corner.
A brilliant counter-attacking run by fullback Kanta Matsunaga gave the Steelers the lead. Penalty goals from both sides led to three lead changes before Coles' second gave the Spears a handy 30-22 advantage.
On a pick and go Coles barged through expat Kiwi No 8 Tiennan Costley to score from five metres out.
A try to Costley and a barnstorming try to Amanaki Saumaki gave the Steelers a 34-33 lead with three minutes to go before a game-winning try to South Africa centre Rikus Pretorius.
Pretorius burst through the Steelers defence in the midfield and used his pace to burn past the fullback to score from 40 metres out for the win. L
In other Japan Rugby League One action, an injury to Aaron Smith in the first quarter didn't stop Toyota Verblitz from blowing away Will Genia and Quade Cooper's Hanazono Kintetsu Liners by 47-14.
Richie Mo'unga's Toshiba Brave Lupus put up a 40-12 win over the Mie Honda Heat with All Blacks Mo'unga and Seta Tamanivalu crossing for tries.
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They don’t. Scotland have no luck and get the worst end of the stick on almost all occasions: from refereeing decisions to world cup draws and scheduling. This is not a coincidence in my opinion.
People give out about Townsends success. But he has done brilliantly given the amount of headwinds blowing.
Go to commentsI agree. I really think the wingers are just so plentiful at the moment. Midfield is the critical selection in the mix. I really believe Braydon Ennor at 13 for the AB’s must be considered. Saturday showed after a huge lay off due to rehab, that he has the vision and a real speed factor.His display for the Crusaders was special. Quinn Tupeai , like wise for your guys is putting his hand up.
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