Saffas rise and fall in Japan

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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

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SA Rugby magazine