Saffas Abroad: Mapimpi, Marx on the money in Japan

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Springboks Makazole Mapimpi, Malcolm Marx and Willie le Roux all scored for their respective clubs in the third round of the Japan Top League.

– Malcolm Marx scored his fourth try in three games to help the Kubota Spears claim a 34-24 win in their derby against the Shining Arcs. The Springbok went over from the back of a powerful driving maul in the first half for one of Kubota’s five tries. Wing Gerhard van den Heever kicked three conversions and a penalty for the Spears, who were captained by Lappies Labuschagne and had former Sharks lock Ruan Botha in their starting lineup. Former Kings centre Shane Gates scored a try for the Shining Arcs, who had Sylvian Mahuza at fullback and Willie Britz at No 8.

– Kwagga Smith starred for Yamaha Jubilo as they hammered the Green Rockets 59-31 in a high-scoring encounter. Smith started at No 8 and was in a pack that was dominant in the match. Meanwhile, Benhard Janse van Rensburg started at outside centre for the Green Rockets.

– All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett scored a try and slotted 10 conversions to see Suntory Sungoliath to a 75-10 win over Munakata Sanix Blues. Barrett has now scored 56 points in three games for Suntory.

– Jesse Kriel and the Canon Eagles suffered a tough 47-0 loss at the hands of the Wild Knights. Kriel started at outside centre and was joined by Eagles teammates Kobus van Dyk, SP Marais and Jan de Klerk.

– Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi had a perfect start to his career in Japan, scoring a try on debut to help the Johan Ackermann-coached Red Hurricanes beat the Black Rams 22-17. Franco Marais, lock Lourens Erasmus and No 8 Tyler Paul all joined Mapimpi in the Hurricanes starting lineup, with former Sharks hooker Marais also scoring a try. The Hurricanes have won all three of their opening fixtures.

–  Willie le Roux put in a man-of-the-match performance to guide Toyota Verblitz to a 45-3 victory over Honda Heat. The Springbok fullback wrapped up Verblitz’s scoring with a try in the 73rd minute. Le Roux was joined in the starting lineup by flyhalf Lionel Cronje, who kicked five conversions for a haul of 10 points. Le Roux’s Bok teammate Franco Mostert started for Honda Heat.

Photo: Getty Images

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Dylan Jack