Toeava, Bennetts help Canon beat Panasonic
TOKYO (Sept. 7) – Two tries by Tim Bennetts helped Canon Eagles to a 23-18 win over Panasonic Wild Knights on Saturday evening in Pool B of the first stage of the Japan Rugby Top League.
Canon, who are in just their second season in the Top League, were also indebted to a masterful performance from Isaia Toeava, who was forced to play flyhalf after Callum Bruce was injured in the opening weekend.
“We had to play Toeava at 10 because Bruce was injured,” said Canon’s director of rugby Yoji Nagatomo. “But it meant our 10, 12 and 13 were very strong defensively and gave us a little more flexibility.”
Bennetts’ two tries saw Canon lead 17-8 at the break and two penalties from Ryohei Mitomo, who finished the day with three penalties and two conversions, ensured Daniel Heenan’s second-half try was worth nothing more than a bonus point for losing by less than seven points.
“Our defense won it for us,” said Canon coach Andy Friend. “Our system didn’t break and we shut them down well.”
Earlier at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground, newly promoted Kubota Spears edged Kintetsu Liners 22-17 on the back of two late penalties by Harumichi Tatekawa. The Japan international held his nerve to knock over kicks in the 73rd and 79th minutes as the Spears picked up their first win of the season.
Toshiba Brave Lupus didn’t need any late heroics as they thrashed Coca-Cola West Red Sparks 45-0. The Brave Lupus scored five tries in the first half, all through their backs, and then added two more in the second half to ensure they top Pool B with nine points.
Toshiba lead Yamaha on points difference after Jubilo edged Ricoh Black Rams 31-30. Ayumu Goromaru’s right boot proved to be the difference between the two sides, the Japan fullback finishing the day with four penalties and two conversions.
Suntory Sungoliath are the only side, at present, with maximum points as they hammered Toyota Verblitz 46-3 in Pool A. It was a good day for the Takemoto boys with Ryutaro touching down twice and his elder brother, Juntaro, once.
Kobe Kobelco Steelers made sure they stayed on Suntory’s heels as they came from behind to beat Kyuden Voltex 43-14. Kyuden led 14-0 after 28 minutes and 14 -10 at the break. But the Steelers hit back with Kenji Shomen scoring two of Kobe’s five second half five-pointers to hand them nine points from two games.
The second weekend of the league comes to a conclusion on Sunday when Toyota Shokki Shuttles play NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.