NZ-qualified ex-NRL winger Valynce Te Whare makes waves in Japan

Former National Rugby League winger Valynce Te Whare continues to sparkle in Japan Rugby League One, scoring another near length-of-the-field try as Shizuoka Blue Revs’ dream run continued in today’s come-from-behind 38-28 win over Yokohama Canon Eagles.

Surprisingly impatient and at times rattled by the speed of the visitor’s defensive line, the fourth-placed Blue Revs leaked three tries in the opening 30 minutes, and the damage could have been greater had the Eagles taken more of the opportunities they created.

They paid for it, as Shizuoka regained their composure to such an extent that they scored 31 unanswered points, including Te Whare’s effort, to capture the lead, before finally finishing the Eagles off when backrower Shuntaro Kitamura ran 95 metres to score after a ruck turnover during a frantic last-ditch attack by Yokohama.

Defeat leaves the Eagles six points behind Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath after two tries from ex-All Black skipper Sam Cane helped secure a priceless 45-28 win today over relegation-threatened Toyota Verblitz.

Kobelco Kobe Steelers became the fifth side confirmed for the playoffs yesterday, following a hefty 59-33 win over Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars.

Kobe ran in nine tries, with the bonus point ensuring they cannot be caught by any of the sides below them.

While Dave Rennie’s men are celebrating a first visit to the playoffs since 2018, the loss has almost certainly put paid to the Dynaboars’ hopes of joining them.

Ricoh Black Rams Tokyo are still alive, finishing within a converted try of becoming just the second visitors to win a League One match at Kumagaya, after two quick tries by TJ Perenara ignited a contest that had previously seemed headed towards a predictable outcome.

Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights led 24-7, before the All Blacks’ intervention midway through the second half closed the gap to an edgy three points.

Although the league-leaders rode out the storm, with their 27-21 victory retaining their spot at the top of the table, the bonus point Ricoh secured could yet prove invaluable if they can beat Suntory next weekend.

Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx scored two tries in three minutes as Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo-Bay eased to a 39-20 win over Mie Honda Heat, after the home side had trailed by three points at halftime.

Heat must beat Verblitz on Saturday to have any hope of avoiding joining Urayasu D-Rocks in this season’s promotion/relegation series.

Greig Laidlaw’s side were confirmed for the post-season Replacement Battle after being trounced 61-19 by Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo on Friday night.

All Black Richie Mo’unga had a hand in several of the victors’ nine tries, while also scoring his 10th try of the season in a 21-point haul.