Rugby

Saffas rise and fall in Japan

You are currently viewing Saffas rise and fall in Japan
Willie le Roux and Lionel Cronje in action

There were mixed fortunes for the South Africans in round two of the Japanese Top League this weekend.

– The Canon Eagles beat newcomers the Mitsubishi Dynaboars 23-15 in a tight encounter. Eagles coach Allister Coetzee called on the services of No 8 Kobus van Dyk, lock Rynier Bernardo, centre Jesse Kriel and fullback SP Marais. The Eagles are now up to 13th on the log, one place ahead of their victims.

– Fullback Willie le Roux scored a try and flyhalf Lionel Cronje kicked a penalty and a conversion, but it was in vain as their team, Toyota Verblitz, slumped to a heavy 40-20 defeat by the Panasonic Wild Knights. Damian de Allende started for the Wild Knights and opened the scoring with a try in the second minute. Centre Clinton Swart and lock Jason Jenkins were on Verblitz’s bench. The second-ranked Wild Knights are still unbeaten, while the winless Verblitz are rooted to the bottom of the table.

– The Kobe Kobelco Steelers outlasted Yahama Jubilo to clinch a 36-24 victory. In a high-scoring encounter flank Kwagga Smith ran in a first-half try for Yamaha. Kobe are sitting pretty at the top of the standings with two wins from two games. Yamaha are in ninth position.

– Fullback Coenie van Wyk booted a penalty and three conversions to guide Toshiba Brave Lupus to an entertaining 39-21 triumph over the Red Hurricanes. Utility forward Lourens Erasmus played flank for the Hurricanes. Toshiba are one of only three undefeated teams remaining.

– Lions duo Malcolm Marx and Sylvian Mahuza were in the NTT Communications Shining Arcs team that went down 22-10 to hosts Suntory Sungoliath. NTT are on eight on the log and Suntory fifth.

– The Kubota Spears pipped Honda Heat 23-21 in a riveting encounter. Ruan Botha and Lappies Labuschagne made Kubota’s starting lineup. RG Snyman and Pierre Schoeman were on duty for the Heat, with the former scoring a stunning solo try in the game. Kubota moved up to 11th spot and retained fourth place.

Photo: Toyota Verblitz