Toshiba Pick Up 1st Win of Season

TOKYO (Sept. 9) – Week 2 of the 2018-2019 Japan Rugby Top League season reach its conclusion Sunday with Toshiba Brave Lupus picking up their first win of the new term.

Tomohio Segawa’s side downed Ricoh Black Rams 20-17 to leave both sides on five points in the White Conference, four less than leaders Panasonic Wild Knights and Yamaha Jubilo.

Despite the loss, the Black Rams lead the Brave Lupus on points difference and are fourth in the standings.

This season, the league’s 16 teams have been split into two Cnferences — Red and White. Following seven rounds of pool games the top four sides from each group will play for the league title.

The bottom eight sides will fight it out to determine the four teams that enter into the relegation/promotion playoffs with the top four teams from the Top Challenge League.

At Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium, former All Black Richard Kahui crossed the chalk twice and new flyhalf Mike Harris kicked two conversions and two penalty goals for Toshiba, who opened the season with a narrow loss to Canon Eagles.

Shuhei Matsushima and Amanaki Lotoahea both touched down for Ricoh, who beat Honda Heat on he opening weekend, with Robbie Robinson kicking two conversions and a penalty goal.