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TJ Perenara's Black Rams Tokyo pull off big scalp in day of League One upsets
By Ben Smith
TJ Perenara’s new Japanese club Black Rams Tokyo took a big scalp by defeating Tokyo Sungoliath by 33-32 in the second round of Japan Rugby League One.
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An attacking masterclass from Australian fullback Isaac Lucas produced three try assists for the Black Rams, while lock Michael Stolberg produced three turnovers.
Ex-Blues lock Josh Goodhue set up a try against the run of play with a charge down and regather, before feeding openside Brody McCurran for a 14-3 lead early. A smart blindside run from a kick return by Lucas set up Black Rams’ third, extending the lead to 19-3.
Suntory stormed back to take the lead on the stroke of half-time with a penalty goal after TJ Perenara got entangled in a scuffle with his opposite No 9.
Perenara and Lucas combined early in the second half to send flyhalf Ichigo Nakakusu over untouched. Lucas’ third assist gave the Black Rams a 33-20 lead which they held onto for the last 30 minutes for a one-point win.
In a colossal League One upset, newly-promoted Mie Honda Heat tipped over Ian Foster’s Toyota Verblitz by 21-17.
Two tries in the final 15 minutes by the Heat stunned Verblitz, who had previously built a 17-9 lead. The Heat pack powered over from a rolling maul before a try to reserve halfback Azuma Doei after seven phases close to the line. Ex-Roosters star Joseph Manu had 27 minutes after coming off the bench during the second half.
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Mie Honda Heat are now two from two after beating the Black Rams in week one, while the Verblitz are still searching for the first win after two losses.
Robbie Deans’ Saitama Wild Knights escaped with a 26-24 win over Kubota Spears after a 74th minute penalty goal by Yamasawa.
The Shizuoka Blue Revs hammered Israel Folau’s Urayasu D-Rocks by 64-19 after a hat-trick to New Zealand ex-pat Malo Tuitama.
Sam Greene added two try assists and 17 points off the tee to cap off a stellar performance for the Blue Revs.
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Sunday’s games see Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo face the Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynabours while Kobelco Kobe Steelers will play Yokohama Canon Eagles.
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I hope Brave Lupus do well and indeed win the comp, as they did this year. So pleased for Todd Blackadder , a legend here in these parts, ( Canterbury/ Crusaders), country. Like wise the brilliant first-five Richie Mo'unga, who did it again since joining that team. Two guys I know well and were great with the people off the field, though in different era's. Though Toddy did coach Richie for one season in 2016. But I am talking there playing careers. It was fitting that they came against the Wild Knights in the Final coached by playing and coaching red and black legend Robbie Deans.Lots of great match ups amongst the Kiwi ex-pats in Japan.