Steelers go top with big win over Shining Arcs

 

Andries Bekker, Kenji Shomen and Yoshimitsu Yasue all bagged a pair of tries and Daisuke Yamamoto celebrated his 100th Top league game with seven conversions as the Steelers made it 19 points from five games in the second stage to lead Panasonic Wild Knights on points difference.

 

 

Their time at the top could be short lived, however, as Panasonic play third-placed Suntory Sungoliath (17 points) on Sunday.

 

 

The defeat means the Shining Arcs – for whom Kazuhishi Hano, Isaac Ross and Todd Clever touched down – cannot finish in the top four and advance to the playoffs to determine the league champions. Comms are stranded at the bottom of the standings with just one point.

 

 

Meanwhile at Yamaha Stadium, Jubilo hooker Takeshi Hino crossed twice as Yamaha downed Toyota Verblitz 26-10 in the day’s other game. Siale Piutau also crossed for Yamaha, who also benefited from a penalty try.

 

 

The win sees Jubilo move fourth level with Suntory on 17 points, though they have an inferior points difference. Toshiba Brave Lupus, who are one point further back, take on Canon Eagles (seventh with 8 points) on Sunday.

 

 

The second day of Round 5 action also sees four games being played in the second-tier Group B.