Panasonic stun Suntory to go top

TOKYO (Dec. 14) – Panasonic Wild Knights went four points clear at the top of Group A in the Japan Rugby Top League on Saturday as they beat Suntory Sungoliath 42-13 at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground in Tokyo.

Akihito Yamada crossed twice and there were further tries for Tomoki Kitagawa, Takashi Miyake and Berrick Barnes, who also banged over four conversions and three penalty goals.

The victory lifts the Wild Knights to 18 points and was just reward for a tremendous forward effort that saw Panasonic force a number of turnovers.

Norifumi Nakajima’s team also defended superbly with the Holani brothers – Ryu Koliniasi and Ryu Sioapelatu – in particular putting in some big hits.

“I’ve got to pay credit not just to the 23 players on the pitch today but to the whole squad who prepared really well and put the team first,” said Nakajima.

The loss leaves Suntory on 14 points, the same as Toshiba Brave Lupus and one ahead of Yamaha Jubilo, who were both in action Saturday.

Takahiro Ogawa, Cooper Vuna and Steven Bates all crossed for Toshiba, with Ogawa adding two conversions and a penalty goal as the Brave Lupus edged NEC Green Rockets 22-18 in the first game at Chichibunomiya.

Meanwhile, a last-minute try by Kyosuke Horie, converted by Ayumu Goromaru, saw Yamaha come from behind to beat Canon Eagles 23-19.

The Eagles had opened the scoring straight from the kickoff with a try by Omar Slaimankhel. Adam Thomson and Isaia Toeava also crossed for Canon, but Goromaru ensured Yamaha stayed in touch with three penalty goals and a conversion of Male Sa’u’s 60th minute try before Horie rose to the occasion to ensure Yamaha picked up their second win of the second stage.