Kobe run in 5 tries in big win over Yamaha

TOKYO (Dec. 21) – Two tries from Rakuhei Yamashita helped Kobe Kobelco Steelers beat Yamaha Jubilo 40-10 on Sunday as the top half of Group A in the Japan Rugby Top League once again saw plenty of movement.

Yamashita crossed twice in the first half as was joined on the scoresheet by man-of-the-match Ryohei Yamanaka, Kanzo Nakahama and Shohei Maekawa, with Daisuke Yamamoto adding three conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

Yamaha, for whom Chikara Ito scored a try and Ayumu Goromaru a conversion and penalty, had started the weekend in second spot but they struggled with Kobe’s defense and the defeat sees them drop to fifth spot, while Kobe climb from sixth to fourth.

Panasonic Wild Knights lead the standings after their win over NTT Communications Shining Arcs on Saturday, while Suntory Sungoliath jump to second thanks to a 47-28 win over Canon Eagles, Rugby World Cup winner Schalk Burger crossing for two of Suntory’s seven tries.

Toshiba Brave Lupus, meanwhile, came from behind to beat Toyota Verblitz 44-29 to go third thanks to a brace of tries from Michael Lietch.

In the second tier Group B, Shaun Webb kicked five penalties as NEC Green Rockets edged Kubota Spears 22-20. The result sees both teams on 18 points, one behind leaders Ricoh Black Rams, who lost to NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes on Saturday.

Toyota Industries Shuttles picked up their first win of the second stage as did Coca-Cola Red Sparks.

The Shuttles beat Munakata Sanix Blues 46-14, while the Red Sparks topped Kintetsu Liners 31-24 after leading 31-0 at the break.