Last weekend witnessed the opening round of the 2023/24 Japan Rugby League One campaign, with numerous stars of the Rugby World Cup in action across the league. There have been some high profile arrivals to Japan ahead of the new season, with All Blacks captain Sam Cane amongst those getting their debuts in the Far East.
Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith had their first run out together at Toyota Verblitz, whilst Ardie Savea and Brodie Retallick starred for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers. The Springboks were represented as Faf de Klerk’s Canon Eagles took on Damien de Allende’s Saitama Wild Knights, and the Wallabies were also on show as the likes of Marika Koroibete showcased their talents.
Here is a recap of all the action, from the opening round of the Japan Rugby League One.
Saturday December 9th 2023
Kobelco Kobe Steelers 80 – 15 Honda Mie Heat
After winning just five matches from 16 games last season, there was plenty of nerves for the Kobe Steelers ahead of their opening match. However, after bolstering their squad with the All Blacks duo of Brodie Retallick and 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea, Kobe packed a significant punch. Former Wallabies Head Coach Dave Rennie took the reins for his first match in charge of the Steelers, with Retallick scoring after just four minutes.
Ex-All Black Ngane Laumape followed suit six minutes later, with the pressure maintained on the newly promoted Honda Heat. A 26-10 lead was established ahead of the half-time break, with a further eight tries added in the second 40 minute spell. Retallick and Laumape both grabbed their braces, Savea scored his first for the Steelers, and hooker Takuya Kitade joined the party with a 20 minute hat-trick after coming off the bench. Former Highlanders halfback Mitch Hunt was shown a yellow card on his Honda Heat debut, with ex-Japan Sevens star Yoshikazu Fujita also taking a trip to the sin bin.
Mitsubishi Dynaboars 30 – 29 Kintetsu Liners
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars coach Glen Delaney will be a relieved man, after his
latest signing James Grayson guided an 80th minute penalty between the sticks, to beat a valiant Hanazono Kintetsu Liners 30-29 at Kanagawa. Former Wallabies Curtis Rona (Mitsubishi) and Will Genia (Kintetsu) were both try-scorers in a match where there was an element of déjà vu for the visitors.
On the opening day of last season, the Liners lost by just two points against NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu. This saw the Liners miss a late conversion, yet former Northampton Saints man Grayson made no mistake from the tee, to win the match for his new side.
