Tomoki Osada of Saitama Wild Knights scores a try during the first half of a Japan Rugby League One match against Tokyo Sungoliath on Dec. 21, 2024, at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, western Tokyo. (Kyodo)
TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Saitama Wild Knights kicked off their Japan Rugby League One season in convincing fashion Saturday, beating Tokyo Sungoliath 33-12 following a brace of tries from Tomoki Osada.
Starting on the left wing, the Japan back ran in both first-half tries for head coach Robbie Deans’ side as they took a 13-0 lead into the break in front of 20,263 at Ajinomoto Stadium.
South Africa winger Cheslin Kolbe was in the Sungoliath starting lineup, while former New Zealand captain Sam Cane came off the bench before halftime for his first League One action since a back injury cut short his 2023-24 campaign.
The hosts made a strong start to the second half, setting the stage for Isaiah Punivai to dot down near the posts in the 44th minute with a maul off a well-executed lineout.
Mikiya Takamoto added the extras to bring new head coach Kosei Ono’s men within a converted try at 13-7 before last season’s runners-up quickly reasserted control, with back-rowers Jack Cornelsen and Lachlan Boshier both going over in quick succession.
Elsewhere on the opening day of the season, Argentina back-rower Pablo Matera was among the try scorers for Mie Heat in their 23-21 comeback victory over a Black Rams Tokyo side featuring recently departed All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara in his League One debut.
At Yamaha Stadium, Vueti Tupou touched down after the hooter and Sam Greene kicked the extras as the Shizuoka BlueRevs came back to beat the 14-man Kobe Steelers 15-13.
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2024-12-21 14:02:00
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