Yamaha pick up 2nd straight bonus-point win

TOKYO (Aug. 31) – Yamaha Jubilo made sure they were the only team in the Japan Rugby Top League to have a perfect record after two rounds of action in the 2014-15 season as they downed NEC Green Rockets 55-7 on Sunday.

Following an even first half that saw the sides turn around with Yamaha leading 10-7, Jubilo ran riot in the second half to score six further tries and ensure they lead Pool A with 10 points. Toshiba Brave Lupus (9 points) are the only other unbeaten side in the pool.

There are just two unbeaten sides in Pool B as well with Kobe Kobelco Steelers leading Suntory Sungoliath on points difference after both sides ended Round 2 with 8 points.

Tonga centre Siale Piutau crossed four times for Yamaha while hooker Takeshi Ueno grabbed a brace, good enough to win the man-of-the-match award.

Former All Black No. 8 Mose Tuiali’i and centre Shinji Nakazono also crossed for Katsuyuki Kiyomiya’s side, fullback Ayumu Goromaru weighed with six conversions and replacement back Yoshinori Sogabe – a late call-up for Dan Bowden – slotted a drop goal in the 79th minute to wrap things up.

NEC’s points came via a try by Teruya Goto, converted by Yu Tamura.

Round 3 action sees one game on Friday Sept. 5 and seven games on Saturday, with Yamaha up against defending champions Panasonic Wild Knights.