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Watch: Never-seen-before play stuns Wallaby star as Robbie Deans' side suffers first loss
By Kim Ekin
Wallabies star winger Marika Koroibete was left stunned after some quick thinking snatched a game-sealing try to hand the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights their first loss of the season.
The Shizuoka Blue Revs snapped a 14-game winning streak by Robbie Deans' side to defeat the previously undefeated Japan Rugby League One leaders.
The Blue Revs held a 32-25 lead with the Wild Knights within touching distance with 10 minutes remaining when the game's pivotal play unfolded.
A long kick by former Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall from a midfield scrum flew over the head of Koroibete as he chased back to cover it and the ball bounced awkwardly, causing the Wallaby to fumble it into touch.
However, the ball did not roll that far over the sideline and quick thinking by Blue Revs right wing Eito Maki took advantage.
Maki, who had chased the kick, grabbed the ball and took a quick lineout, hitting Blue Revs flanker Takuma Shoji on the burst at full speed with no Panasonic players in sight.
Koroibete was not expecting the play and could only watch Shoji go over untouched, stuck defending a two-on-one with no teammates near.
The stunning score gave the Blue Revs a 37-25 lead that all but sealed the upset win. A late maul try inflicted more damage on Panasonic as the visitors took a 44-25 victory.
In other Japan Rugby League One action, Tokyo Sungoliath won a low-scoring battle 11-9 against the Yokohama Canon Eagles, the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo beat Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars 52-19 and Will Genia's club Hanazono Kintetsu Liners picked up their first win of the season with a shock 34-33 win over Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
Watch the Blues Revs stunning play below.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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