Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Watch: Damian McKenzie and Samu Kerevi score 27 of Suntory's 42 points in blowout

(Source/J Sports)

All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie and Wallabies midfielder Samu Kerevi continue to dominate Japan Rugby League One, starring in Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath’s 42-3 win over NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes Osaka.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kerevi bagged two tries and had another one disallowed, while McKenzie scored one, also had one disallowed, and finished with a personal tally of 17 points.

McKenzie got stuck into the action early when he pulled off a miraculous try saving tackle on 107kg South African hooker Franco Marais, doing enough to push Marais over the sideline to force a loose pass.

Video Spacer

Jacques Nienaber talks Springboks tactics for 2022 and World Cup

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 2:22
Loaded: 13.88%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 2:22
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
    • en (Main), selected
    Video Spacer

    Jacques Nienaber talks Springboks tactics for 2022 and World Cup

    With the game scoreless in the 26th minute, the 26-year-old first-five then sparked Suntory’s first break by taking a kick return back down the short side.

    After a grubber kick through by Suntory, McKenzie almost had an intercept try when wing Red Hurricanes wing Larry Sulunga tried to field the kick and pass it back infield before going over the sideline.

    McKenzie snatched the pass and ran away to score, only for the try to be called back as Sulunga’s foot was in touch.

    The 40-test All Black then set up Suntory’s first try by firing a cutout pass to flanker Koji Iino steaming into a gap. Iino coasted through and ran 30 metres to score under the posts.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Kerevi had his side’s second after combining with wing Tevita Li on the left edge. Cutting back off his left foot step, Kerevi showed great speed by busting through multiple Red Hurricanes defenders to cruise over.

    Kerevi had his second try called back after a well-worked scrum play halfway through the second half, carrying multiple defenders over the line as he crashed over.

    Comfortably ahead 21-3 with seven minutes to go, the star pair ramped up the intensity to score three tries to blow out the Red Hurricanes.

    McKenzie finally got one after receiving the last pass from a Suntory break after moving to fullback late in the game.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Kerevi then scored his second with a stunning individual effort, bumping off reserve back Koki Shigeno before fending off inside centre Paea Mifiposeti. He then swerved around the cover defence of wing Sulunga to score under the sticks.

    Suntory Sungoliath are top of Division One with 11 wins and just one loss from their 12 games this season and are favourites to win the inaugural League One title after losing the last year’s Top League final.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kubota Spears | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Final | Full Match Replay

    Saitama Wild Knights vs Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Bronze Final | Full Match Replay

    Boks Office | Episode 42 | Investec Champions Cup Final Review

    Spain's Incredible Rugby Sevens Journey to the World Championship Final | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 14

    Australia vs USA | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

    New Zealand vs Canada | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

    South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

    The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

    Trending on RugbyPass

    Comments

    0 Comments
    Be the first to comment...

    Join free and tell us what you really think!

    Sign up for free
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Latest Features

    Comments on RugbyPass

    LONG READ
    LONG READ Tom Hooper: Brumbies’ ‘Land Cruiser in low gear’ revs up for Hurricanes Tom Hooper: Brumbies’ ‘Land Cruiser in low gear’ revs up for Hurricanes
    Search