The downward spiral of Faf's Eagles in Japan
WRAP: While it’s too early to press the panic button, Faf de Klerk’s Eagles are facing a crisis of confidence at the season’s halfway point, dropping their third straight game in Japan Rugby League One, when beaten 20-17 by Pablo Matera’s Mie Honda Heat.
Honda, who are coached by former Canadian and Italian boss Kieran Crowley, snapped their five-match losing streak last week and made it back-to-back wins today after rallying from 12-6 down at halftime. De Klerk came off the bench in this encounter.
Although outscored three-tries-to-two, Heat were steered home by the boot of flyhalf Hayata Nakao, who kicked four from four, with the home side stealing the winning break when former record-breaking New Zealand Under-20 winger Tevita Li scored with 14 minutes remaining.
Yokohama remains sixth, although only on point difference after Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath fended off a determined bid by bottom-placed Urayasu D-Rocks to win 40-35 at Yamanashi.
While a try by All Black backrower Sam Cane allowed Sungoliath to lead by seven at the mid-point, D-Rocks set up a frantic finish with two second-half tries by Wallaby midfielder Samu Kerevi helping to draw his side to within a converted try of victory in the final moments.
Kerevi’s ex-Wallaby teammate, Michael Hooper, might’ve wished he hadn’t cut short his retirement following a galling return yesterday, which included a yellow card for a professional foul alongside Toyota’s disastrous 61-23 loss against Kobe Steelers.
Japan Rugby League One
On a satisfying afternoon for the ex-Wallaby captain’s former test coach Dave Rennie, Kobe’s bonus-point win moving the Kansai outfit up a place to fifth.
It also inflicted what could prove a mortal blow to the qualifying hopes of Verblitz coaches Steve Hansen and Ian Foster, with their side now 11th.
The former All Black coaches’ side has fallen into the relegation zone, below Black Rams Tokyo after the latter gave Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo a fright during their gallant 45-44 loss at Prince Chichibu Stadium.
The defending champions squeaked home despite the brilliance of Black Rams skipper TJ Perenara, who scored a try and played an influential role in four others.
Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay took advantage of the inability of Brave Lupus to secure a try-scoring bonus point, closing to two points on the standings after a remarkable 62-14 over fourth-placed Shizuoka Blue Revs.
Having conceded just nine tries in their opening three games of the season, the Blue Revs conceded the same total in one afternoon, including four during a humiliating final 10 minutes when tackling appeared optional.
Saitama Wild Knights remain competition leaders after a comfortable 39-10 win over Sagamihara Dynaboars.
By Matt McILraith
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