Kwagga, Faf and Am deliver big moments in Japan
WRAP: Springbok Kwagga Smith led from the front as BlueRevs reignited their playoff push with a crucial 34-24 victory over Verblitz in Japan Rugby League One.
The tireless Bok loose forward was immense at the breakdown and added his name to the scoresheet, helping his side snap a five-match losing streak and surge back into top-six contention.
Against a Verblitz outfit coached by Steve Hansen and packed with international quality, including several All Blacks, it was the South African’s energy and influence that set the tone early as BlueRevs raced into a 19-7 halftime lead.
Verblitz threatened a comeback after the break, but the BlueRevs held firm, with former Hurricanes lock Justin Sangster delivering a key try to steady the ship.
The win saw BlueRevs leapfrog their rivals on the table, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
The South African impact was felt across the league. Dawid Kellerman held his nerve to slot a last-gasp penalty as Heat stunned defending champions Brave Lupus 24-22, while Lukhanyo Am played a decisive role in Dynaboars’ dramatic 35-32 comeback win.
Faf de Klerk delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, scoring a sensational first-half hat-trick to inspire Eagles to a shock 38-29 win over table-toppers Steelers.
The Springbok scrumhalf’s brilliance swung momentum early and ultimately proved the difference in one of the biggest upsets of the season.
Elsewhere, Maurice Marks bagged a late brace for Wild Knights as they returned to the top of the standings, underlining yet again the growing influence of South African players across Japan’s top flight.
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