Barnes makes winning start for Panasonic

KUMAGAYA, Saitama Pref. (Oct. 5) – Former Australian international Berrick Barnes got off to a winning start in the Japan Rugby Top League as he helped Panasonic Wild Knights beat Coca-Cola West Red Sparks 39-5 on Saturday.

The 27-year-old only arrived in Japan sevens days but he showed he is a quick learner, lining up alongside JP Pietersen in the Wild Knights’ midfield.

Barnes wasn’t among the scorers – that was reserved for Ryu Koliniasi Holani, who touched down three times, Pietersen who bagged a brace and Akihito Yamada – but the way he settled in so quickly delighted the Panasonic coaching staff.

“He’s a fast learner and has picked up the language very quickly,” said Robbie Deans, who is over in Japan in his role as a consultant to the Wild Knights. “It’s an international game though and an international language so you don’t need to talk that much especially when you consider the experience he and Pietersen have.”

Pansonic’s win sees them go to 18 points from five games in Pool B, the same as Toshiba Brave Lupus who take on third-placed Yamaha Jubilo (16 pts) on Sunday.

Kintetsu Liners moved into fourth place in the pool with 12 points following a 35-19 win over Ricoh Black Rams, Radike Samo crossing twice for the Liners and Rico Gear weighing in with a late try.

In Pool A, a brace of tries from Shindo Kamaike helped NEC Green Rockets defeat Kyuden Voltex 28-15. The result means Kyuden, who have yet to pick up a point this season, cannot finish in the top four.

Meanwhile, NTT Communications halfbacks Ryo Tsuruda and Yoshio Kimishima were the heroes as the Shining Arcs topped NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes 28-17. Tsuruda crossed the whitewash twice and Kimishima knocked over four conversions from as many attempts.

The win lifts the Shining Arcs to 14 points and fourth place in the pool, six points behind NEC, who currently top the group ahead of Sunday’s games.