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Springbok and All Black stars carded in crunch Japan Rugby League One clash

(Source/J Sports)

Springboks and All Blacks featured heavily in Saturday’s action in Japan Rugby League One when Shizuoka Blue Revs faced Suntory Sungoliath in the day’s big fixture.

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All Blacks captain Sam Cane opened the scoring when he peeled down the blindside from a rolling maul to score a try for the Sungoliath.

The Sungoliath mounted a comeback twice to hold on for a 29-25 win which propelled them into second place in the league.

Springboks flanker Kwagga Smith went one-on-one with his teammate Cheslin Kolbe down the left hand side early in the first half but Kolbe was up to the challenge to a make a saving tackle. Smith’s offload went forward and the opportunity went missing.

Points Flow Chart

Tokyo Sungoliath win +4
Time in lead
44
Mins in lead
32
55%
% Of Game In Lead
40%
10%
Possession Last 10 min
90%
0
Points Last 10 min
12

The Blue Revs took the lead 10-5 but a wayward tackle attempt by Smith ended up earning a yellow card after a clash of heads with star Japanese fullback Kotaro Matsushima.

Cane joined the Springbok on the sidelines a short while later after for repeated infringements on the try line, taking a yellow card for the team. The Blues Revs extended the lead to 15-5 heading into the break with the Sungoliath needing to overcome a deficit.

Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe looked certain to score early in the second half with his trademark right foot step beating Kiwi Malo Tuitama.

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But former All Black and Tongan international Charles Piutau produced a stunning play to punch the ball out of Kolbe’s arms right on the tryline and prevent the score.

The two sides traded tries with a try to fullback Sam Greene keeping the lead for the Blue Revs heading into the final quarter. Another try assist by Greene looked to have sealed the game with an eight point lead 25-17.

Kolbe got another chance with a carbon copy of his first opportunity, this time with Piutau absent he stepped inside Tuitama to coast through and score a classic try with 10 minutes remaining.

The Sungoliath stole the game with two minutes left when they crossed through No 8 Ryuga Hashimoto out wide after moving from touchline to touchline.

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In other Saturday fixtures, Yokohama Canon Eagles defeated BlackRams Tokyo by 24-8 to move into fourth on the ladder and the Panasonic Wild Knights demolished Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars by 81-21 to remain undefeated atop the standings.

Match Summary

1
Penalty Goals
0
4
Tries
5
1
Conversions
2
0
Drop Goals
0
112
Carries
147
4
Line Breaks
7
10
Turnovers Lost
12
2
Turnovers Won
3
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Comments

4 Comments
A
Alan 341 days ago

Hi take it easy on Sam he is an alright guy and has given his neck for rugby.
How about supporting him a bit instead of kicking him down.
I was always told if you can’t say anything good about a person shut up.

C
Cassius 341 days ago

It is great to see Japanese rugby expanding. Interested dynamics between all these teams sponsored by major companies and contracting top players for top dollars.

C
Coach 341 days ago

He took one for the team this time

P
Pecos 342 days ago

Sam Cane in the bin. What else is new?

Super Rugby Final - yellow card at 70mins, Crusaders then take the lead & win.

RWC2023 Final - red card at 28mins. ABs pushing mud uphill & lose.

Go Sam go.

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Hellhound 3 hours ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

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