Messam scores on debut as Toshiba beat Honda

TOKYO (Nov. 28) – Rugby World Cup 2015 winner Liam Messam scored on his Top League debut Saturday as Toshiba Brave Lupus downed Honda Heat 41-10.

The All Blacks flanker came off the bench in the 61st minute and touched down three minutes from time as Toshiba made it two wins from three games in Group A.

Messam was joined on the scoresheet by two other World Cup winners with 2011 gold medalist Richard Kahui adding a try and RWC 2007 winner Francois Steyn picking up 16 points courtesy of a try, four conversions and a penalty goal.

Toshiba have 10 points, the same as Panasonic Wild Knights and NTT Communications, who both play Sunday, and one ahead of Kintetsu Liners, who beat Suntory Sungoliath 25-19 on Saturday.

Former Springbok Pierre Spies touched down for one of Kintetsu’s three tries as Suntory fell to their second loss of the season.

Meanwhile, last year’s LIXIL Cup finalists Yamaha Jubilo remained unbeaten in Group B thanks to a 39-19 win over NEC Green Rockets.

Ayumu Goromaru led the way for Katsuyuki Kiyomiya’s side, the Japan fullback scoring a try, four conversions and two penalty goals.

In the day’s other game, Takaya Monji scored 18 points courtesy of a try, six conversions and a penalty goal as Toyota Verblitz topped Toyota Industries Shuttles 45-21.