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Watch - Folau scores hat-trick of tries in Japan
By AAP
Former Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has scored a quick-fire hat-trick of tries in the second round of Japanese club rugby.
In his second season in Japan, 73-Test veteran Folau bagged his three tries in the space of 11 minutes before being substituted midway through the second half.
His Urasayu D-Rocks team continued their unbeaten season start in second division with a 68-17 thrashing of Shimizu Kotu Blue Sharks.
A successor to Folau as Wallabies fullback, Tom Banks scored his first try in Japanese club rugby as his MIE Honda demolished Kamaishi Seawaves 75-15 in another second division match.
In the top division, ex-Wallabies coach Robbie Deans's Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights were hard pressed but extended one of the most remarkable streaks in professional rugby.
A 79th minute converted try enabled them to beat Shizuoka Blue Revs 15-14, notching their 34th straight win in a streak dating back to the 2019 playoffs.
Two missed conversions in the last five minutes by Wallabies five eighth Bernard Foley proved costly as his Kubota Spears Tokyo drew 27-27 with Yokohama Canon Eagles.
Although he succeeded with four penalty goal attempts, Foley was unable to convert any of Kubota's three tries.
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Latest Comments
I think the reality is that 2025 is the year that the Oz Super sides need to strike because, after 2025, I think you can expect to see some of the better players like Topou depart Oz rugby for the North.
Suddenly, in certain positions, teams like the Reds and Tahs have real quality depth. Given RA's inability to effectively match off-shore salaries (I understand they have already told Topou that they can't match his existing contract), we will see a fair few players depart for Japan, France, etc post Lions.
Go to commentsplaying in the wrong Premiership mate...
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