By JRLO Media
Thrilling Weekend in Japan Rugby League One: Round Three Highlights
Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay edged Mie Honda Heat 32-27 in a nail-biting contest at a sunlit Suzuka Gardens on Sunday.
Both teams scored four tries in a game that saw the lead change hands seven times, with the decisive moment coming from Kida, the breakout star of two seasons ago. Kida, who scored 17 tries in his debut season but only managed four last term, delivered when it mattered most.
Honda Heat’s campaign began promisingly, with Los Pumas backrower Pablo Matera crashing over for his second try of the season in the 11th minute. Despite stellar performances across both teams, including Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx scoring his 26th try in Japan, the Spears clinched victory with two late tries, leaping into fourth place, just ahead of Honda Heat.
Elsewhere, Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo overcame defending champions Kobelco Kobe Steelers 32-26.
The Brave Lupus led throughout but faced a resilient Kobe, who clawed back from a 20-5 deficit thanks to a try by Scotland hooker George Turner. However, the Steelers suffered a setback when young prop Kauvaka Kaivelata was sent off for dangerous play. Taking full advantage, Japanese winger Jone Naikabula sealed the victory with two late tries.
Despite the loss, Kobe’s fight earned them a bonus point, keeping them in sixth place on the standings with three bonus points from their opening matches.
Shizuoka Blue Revs prevailed in a high-scoring encounter, defeating Mitsubishi Dynaboars 40-34.
This entertaining match mirrored last season’s try-fest between the teams. Winger Malo Tuitama scored a hattrick for the second consecutive week, while hooker Takeshi Hino added two tries, repeating their feats from last year’s clash. The win maintained the Blue Revs’ unbeaten streak, lifting them to third place.
Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights showcased their dominance, defeating Ricoh Black Rams 39-16.
The Wild Knights overcame a close contest with three unanswered tries in the final 25 minutes. Brave Blossoms winger Tomoki Osada starred with a double, his second in three games, as the Wild Knights closed in on their 50th regular season win.
Yokohama Canon Eagles secured their first victory of the season with a commanding 40-12 win over Urayasu D-Rocks.
Utility back Jumpei Ogura led the way with two tries, supported by a 15-point haul from veteran Yu Tamura. Maori All Blacks captain Billy Harmon also scored his maiden try for Yokohama, despite receiving a yellow card during the match.
Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath and Toyota Verblitz fought to a thrilling 30-30 draw at Ajinomoto Stadium.
Both teams missed opportunities to claim victory, with late penalty misses by Verblitz proving costly. Sungoliath’s Seiya Ozaki opened his account for the season with two tries, while legendary All Blacks scrum half Aaron Smith contributed for Verblitz, and Cheslin Kolbe got on the Suntory scoresheet.
Division Two & Three Action
In Division Two, Hino Red Dolphins and Hanazono Kintetsu Liners played out a high-scoring 38-38 draw.
Former Wallabies Quade Cooper and Will Genia both scored for Kintetsu, with teammate Tomoya Kimura completing a hattrick. Rory Arnold crossed for Hino, whose captain Shun Nakashika and Taroma Togo each added two tries.
Division Three saw Chugoku Electric Power Red Regulions bounce back from last week’s defeat to beat LeRIRO Fukuoka 39-17.
Hooker Kentaro Iwanaga scored twice, continuing his impressive form from last season.
Round Three Results
Division One
Mitsubishi Dynaboars 34 – 40 Shizuoka Blue Revs
Urayasu D-Rocks 12 – 40 Canon Eagles
Black Rams 16 – 39 Saitama Wild Knights
Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath 30 – 30 Toyota Verblitz
Mie Honda Heat 27 – 32 Kubota Spears
Toshiba Brave Lupus 32 – 26 Kobelco Kobe Steel
Division Two
- Hino Red Dolphins 38 – 38 Hanazono Kintetsu Liners
Division Three
- Chugoku Electric Power 39 – 17 LeRIRO Fukuoka
