Suntory Go Top with Win Over Yamaha

IWATA, Japan (Dec. 24) – Suntory Sungoliath will head into the New Year in first place in the Japan Rugby Top League following a 41-24 win over Yamaha Jubilo.

In the battle between the only two unbeaten sides in the league, Suntory put aside an indifferent start to outscore their rivals five tries to three to jump above Yamaha in the standings.

With two rounds to play, Suntory have 60 points while Yamaha have 57.

Takaaki Nakazuru, Stephen Donald, Hendrik Tui, Shintaro Ishihara and Kenta Tsukamoto all crossed for Suntory with Kosei Ono adding five conversions and two penalties, despite a blustery breeze at Yamaha Stadium.

Panasonic Wild Knights are third with 52 points thanks to a 55-14 victory over Munakata Sanix Blues in which Yasuki Hayashi bagged a brace of five-pointers.

The top three teams in the Top League together with the university champion play in the season-ending All Japan Championship, which begins the week after the Top League finishes on Jan. 14.

Kobe Kobelco Steelers, who play Kintetsu Liners on Sunday, are currently fourth on 42 points with NTT Communications fifth on 36.

The Shining Arcs beat bottom side Honda Heat 40-3 on Saturday with Elton Jantjies contributing 11 points courtesy of a try and three conversions.

Toyota Verblitz drop to sixth spot after a 32-31 loss to Toshiba that sees the Brave Lupus move into seventh spot. Takahiro Ogawa was Toshiba’s hero, banging over a penalty in the 81st minute.

JC Roos picked up a full house of a try, three conversions, a penalty goal and a drop goal as Canon Eagles defeated Kubota Spears 27-15, hooker Yuki Mori touched down twice in Ricoh Black Rams’ 41-14 win over Toyota Industries Shuttles and NEC Green Rockets downed Coca-Cola Red Sparks 27-3.