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Forgotten All Black produces man of the match display in Japan division two
By Ben Smith
Former All Black and now Samoan international flyhalf Lima Sopoaga has produced a man of the match display in Japan’s division two league.
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The 33-year-old was in fine touch for Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks, piloting the side to a 41-33 victory over the Kyushudenryoku Kyuden Voltex.
Sopoaga had a hand in the Blue Sharks first three tries, setting up two directly with a backhand flick pass and a dink chip kick for his South African fullback Coenraad Van Wyk.
He then had his third try assist before half-time with a long cutout pass to winger Naoki Moriya. A fourth beckoned when he put a grubber kick through that was regathered by inside centre Soichiro Kuwata, however the midfielder offloaded at the last moment for his halfback Tatsuya Kanetsuki to score.
Koto Blue Sharks continues the win streak #rugbyjp
Player of the Match – Lima Sopoaga (6/6 Kicks) pic.twitter.com/9BgjS5ox4n
— Darren (@SaffasRugby) December 28, 2024
A long penalty goal from Van Wyk iced the game to give the Blue Sharks an eight-point buffer with minutes remaining.
The Blue Sharks are one of just two teams that remain undefeated in division two after two rounds, with Red Hurricanes Osaka the other perfect team.
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Sopoaga’s club knocked off former division one team Hino Red Dolphins in week one with a 25-24 win.
The former All Black is in his second season in Japan after stints with Lyon in France and Wasps in the Premiership.
Watch the man-of-the-match performance below.