Suntory book playoff spot

YOKOHAMA (JAN 11)  Suntory Sungoliath became the second side to book its place in the playoffs to determine the Japan Rugby Top League champion when they beat Canon Eagles 58-25 on Saturday at Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Takamichi Sasaki crossed three times, Kenta Tsukamoto twice and there were further five-pointers for Tusi Pisi, Atsushi Hiwasa and Yasunori Nagatomo as Suntory scored 34 points in the second half to Canon’s 3.

Suntory join Panasonic Wild Knights in the top four with the remaining two spots to be decided on the final weekend of the regular season.

A try by JP Pietersen six minutes from time helped Panasonic beat Kobe Kobelco Steelers 32-31 as the Wild Knights remained top of Group A on 32 points, four ahead of Suntory.

Toshiba Brave Lupus moved into third spot on 21 points with a 29-15 of Yamaha, who drop to fifth on 18.

Kobe, who are fourth on 19 points play Toshiba next weekend, while Yamaha face Suntory.

In the day’s other game in Group A Toyota Verblitz edged NEC Green Rockets 14-11.

In Group B, Kubota Spears edged Kintetsu Liners 20-17 to make sure of a top four finish and a place in the wild card tournament for the All-Japan Championship.

The three second-tier sides that will join the Spears and the teams finishing fifth to eighth in Group A will be decided next weekend.

Toyota Shokki Shuttles are currently second in the group on 23 points, four behind Kubota, despite a 41-14 loss to Ricoh Black, who have 20 points, two behind Kintetsu.

NTT Communications Shining Arcs are also on 20 points following a 27-21 win over Coca-Cola West Red Sparks.

Meanwhile two tries by Takuro Miuchi helped NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes defeat Kyuden Voltex 31-21.

The result means Docomo (9 points), the Red Sparks (14) and Voltex (11) go into the final weekend looking to avoid the one automatic relegation place. The sides finishing fifth to seventh in the group must win a promotion/relegation playoff game to stay in the Top League.