Goromaru passes 1,000 Top League points

TOKYO (Nov. 14) – Yamaha Jubilo fullback Ayumu Goromaru became just the second player to pass 1,000 Japan Rugby Top League points as his side beat Toyota Verblitz 18-11 in Group B on Saturday.

The Japan No. 15 missed out on his first attempt at reaching the milestone when he failed to convert a try by Mose Tuiali’i in the fourth minute at Mizuho Stadium.

But he was on target five minutes later after Yuki Yatomi crossed and then added two further penalties for good measure.

His eight-point haul takes him to 1,006, 182 behind former Suntory Sungoliath centre Ryan Nicholas.

The day’s biggest winners were in Group A with Toshiba Brave Lupus downing Kubota Spears 47-3 at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.

Japan captain Michael Leitch crossed after seven minutes, former All Black Richard Kahui bagged a brace and there was also a try for Nicolas Kraska, reward for an impressive TL debut. Francois Steyn added three penalties and three conversions for Toshiba, who announced earlier this week that Liam Messam was joining them on a two-year deal.

In the day’s other Group A games, NTT Communications Shining Arcs ruined Tim Nanai-Williams’ TL debut as they beat Ricoh Black Rams 39-12 with Amanaki Lelei Mafi among the try scorers and Pierre Spies touched down 11 minutes into his league debut as Kintetsu Liners downed new boys Honda Heat 25-12.

Meanwhile in Group B, Bryce Hegarty kicked three conversions and a penalty as Toyota Industries Shuttles defeated NEC Green Rockets 24-17, while Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard kicked a late penalty off the bench as NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes edged Coca Cola Red Sparks 23-19.