NTT Docomo snap Kobe’s winning streak

TOKYO (Nov. 29) –  NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes provided the shock of Round 3 of the 2015-2016 Japan Rugby Top League season as they beat previously unbeaten Kobe Kobelco Steelers 25-24 on Sunday.

Springbok debutant Jesse Kriel was among the try scorers for the Red Hurricanes, who hung on for the Group B win after Kobe fought back from 25-10 down to score two tries in the last seven minutes to ensure they picked up a bonus point for losing by seven or less.

In the other Group B game played Sunday, Canon Eagles moved past the Steelers into third place on 11 points with a 31-25 win over Coca-Cola Red Sparks.

Willie le Roux was once again among the try scorers for Canon, the South African making it three tries from three games.

Unbeaten Yamaha Jubilo lead the group with 14 points, Toyota Verblitz (11) are second, while the Red Hurricanes’ second win of the season leaves them fifth on eight points.

In Group A, Panasonic Wild Knights remained unbeaten with a 59-28 win over winless Ricoh Black Rams.

Ben McCalman touched down twice for Panasonic, for whom Tadahiro Miwa was perfect with the boot, nailing eight conversions and a penalty from as many attempts.

Meanwhile, Japan No. 8 Amanaki Lelei Mafi scored his fourth try of the season for NTT Communications Shining Arcs as they downed Kubota Spears 34-9 to join the Wild Knights on 15 points from three games. Toshiba Brave Lupus are third in the group with 10 points with Kintetsu Liners fourth on nine.