Toshiba overpowers Suntory in Fuchu derby ahead of play-offs

Toshiba Brave Lupus underlined their title credentials by overpowering Suntory Sungoliath 36-27 in the Fuchu derby at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Saturday in the penultimate round of League One’s regular season. 

Second-placed Toshiba defeated third-placed Suntory for the second time this season with the local rivals poised to meet again in the semi-finals in three weeks’ time at the same stadium. 

Former All Black Seta Tamanivalu crossed for the first try of the game after 11 minutes. 

Tamanivalu’s midfield partner, Japan-qualified inside centre Nicholas McCurran, extended his team’s lead before Suntory’s right wing Seiya Ozaki pulled a try back for the visitors. 

Toshiba led 17-10 at the break before former Ospreys centre Michael Collins, who started on the left wing, strolled over for his third try of the campaign. 

Japan wing Jone Naikabula showcased his pace to score his seventh try of the season. 

Toshiba’s fly-half Hayata Nakao illustrated the depth of Todd Blackadder’s team as he enjoyed a fine display in the Fuchu team’s coveted number 10 jersey. 

It was Takuro Matsunaga who shone when he deputised for All Blacks star Richie Mo'unga at fly-half against Kobe two weeks ago but he reverted to full-back duties today. Mo'unga watched from the stands alongside injured centre Rob Thompson.

Suntory’s replacement hooker Tatsuya Miyazaki opened his account for the season before Collins grabbed his second with 14 minutes remaining to effectively seal the win for the hosts. 

Veteran Japan wing Shota Emi crossed for only his second try of the season to close the gap before the only non-Japanese player in Suntory’s backline, Isaiah Punivai, scored for the third consecutive game. 

Argentina’s veteran fly-half Nicolas Sanchez, who is still to start a League One game for Suntory, missed the conversion and was off target with two of his three kicks after replacing Japan starlet Mikiya Takamoto. 

Toshiba lock Jacob Pierce, the son of former Pontypool player and now Secom Ruggets head coach Scott Pierce, sustained a broken nose and had to have stitches on his eye. 

Suntory host Kubota Spears on 4 May while Toshiba travel Bryn Hall’s Shizuoka Blue Revs.